20 Things You Must Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are 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 are available 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 excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep track of school or work. medication for adult adhd can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to work. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise 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 is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique 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 and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.