8 Tips To Improve Your ADHD And Anxiety Medication Game
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety, and their symptoms may worsen when they take stimulants. But non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can help to reduce anxiety. inattentive adhd medication -blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, may also be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed either as a first-line treatment or as a complement to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They are prescribed to people with ADHD to help them focus and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. However, stimulants can sometimes cause adverse effects that make them less effective for anxiety treatment. It is essential to discuss this with your physician prior to starting medication.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also included in this category, along with pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon numerous studies that used well-validated scales and a prospective methodology. It is important to remember that these studies were based on open-label trials, however, they did not compare the results to an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the findings should be taken with caution until further research is conducted with controlled and randomized studies.
Stimulants can trigger a variety of side effects, some of which may be hazardous or unpleasant. Some of the most frequent adverse effects are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can result in an increased blood pressure or heart rate which can be harmful for those with a history of cardiovascular problems. They can also decrease appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a delay in growth when they are taking stimulant drugs. The effect isn't severe and does not impact the final height.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are typically prescribed when stimulants don't aid or cause unacceptable side effects. These medications are not as effective as stimulants but are still very beneficial. They function slower, extending brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a popular non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low chance of abuse or addiction. It is a cautionary drug that it may trigger suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. They reduce anxiety by affecting the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They also aid those suffering from ADHD-related issues such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Common antidepressants used to treat both anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine, are two other medications that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medications, behavioral therapy can also be helpful for people with ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching techniques to help overcome anxiety and improve functioning. It also assists people in learning to recognize and alter harmful habits of thinking that contribute to the anxiety.