ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of school or work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to begin working. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications read more are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.