An Easy-To-Follow Guide To ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. visit your url in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve 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 lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, 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, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.