ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.

Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants


Stimulants are used 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.

These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.

In these instances, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and 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 an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. medications for adhd in adults that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.

The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.

In medication for adults with add , the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.

Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.

The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.

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

Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. medications for adhd in adults of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.

Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage 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.

People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.