ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people and should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.