What Is ADHD And Anxiety Medication And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people suffering from ADHD also experience anxiety and their symptoms may worsen when they take stimulants. However, non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers like propranolol or atenolol. They can be prescribed either as a first line treatment or to complement other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients who suffer from ADHD to aid them in focusing and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. They can trigger side effects which make them less effective in treating anxiety. Before you begin any medication, it's crucial to speak with your doctor about this concern.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines also fall into this category, along with pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other substances like bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones) and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis in 2015 concluded that the use of ADHD medication did not increase anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon a number of studies that utilized validated scales and a prospective methodology. It is important to keep in mind that these studies were based on open-label trials, however, they did not compare the results against the placebo group. Therefore the findings should be taken with caution until further research is conducted with controlled and randomized studies.
Stimulants can cause many adverse effects, some of which may be unpleasant or dangerous. Some of the most common are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure that can be dangerous for those with a prior history of heart problems. They can also reduce appetite, which could cause weight loss. Some adolescents and children may also experience a growth delay when taking stimulant medication. This effect is mild and does not alter the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants do not assist or cause unacceptable adverse effects. These medications are not as effective as stimulants but can be extremely beneficial. They act more gradually by extending the activities of brain receptors that are involved in regulating behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication extensively used to treat ADHD, has a low addiction or abuse risk. However, there is an informational label that states it could trigger suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants for treating ADHD. However, inattentive adhd medication may prescribe these medications to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety and also help with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Antidepressants such as paroxetine and fluoxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Other medications that are utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine, which works on the vagus nerve, and guanfacine, which works on a particular brain chemical called norepinephrine.
The use of behavioral therapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD or anxiety in addition to medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching skills that can be used to conquer anxiety that is causing the problem and improve functioning. It also helps people learn to recognize and change unhelpful thinking patterns that cause the anxiety.