ADHD and Anxiety Medication

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

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

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent 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. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit 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 particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.


The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.

They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.

The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications.

There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Non-stimulant medications are a more 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 are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. I Am Psychiatry can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.

It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments address the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily when taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.