ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Full Survey -term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may 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) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
adhd medications for adults -stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
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. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.