9 Signs That You're The ADHD Anxiety Medication Expert
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause 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 problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their school or work. These can be very distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious side effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (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 works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. medications for adhd is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies target the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. medication for adults with add include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.