ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, such as tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of work or school. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. medication for adhd in adults has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.