11 Creative Methods To Write About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
adhd adult medication , which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as 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 can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with co-existing 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.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.