ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.

Stimulants


Stimulants are drugs that are 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. medication for adults with add Links to an external site. can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.

The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep track of projects for work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.

In these situations it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most commonly used 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. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. medications for adhd Links to an external site. can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.

In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.

The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.

Non-stimulant-based medications

While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.