ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. In adhd depression medication , some individuals have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
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 as a brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of school or work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these cases it is possible to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. adhd and depression medication of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people and are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen 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 to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.