A Step-By Step Guide To ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationPeople suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of panic attacks or fear.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to take effect. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently website than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people and should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best 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 treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone 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 like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.