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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can 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 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. 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 assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to begin working. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. adhd treatment without medication are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat 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
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that 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 don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug 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 mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing 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 made by your physician. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at once. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.