Why You Should Concentrate On Enhancing ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. 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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. 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.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their work or school. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these instances it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used 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
SSRIs are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
add adhd medication Iam Psychiatry is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies target the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.