14 Questions You're Anxious To Ask ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. adhd medications for adults improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of projects for work or school. These can be very distressing and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take some time to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since 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 researched, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.