11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. source for this article find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to begin working. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.