ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.

Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants

The use of stimulants is to treat 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 crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.

These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.

In these instances, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however 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) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.


In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. add medication uk with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.

There are many treatment options 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 certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs 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 cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease 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 and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.

Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have 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.

In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.