ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be 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. They can be found in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among 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 crucial to remember that the type of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these instances, it might be best to treat 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 work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. adult adhd treatments stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. adhd uk medication of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving 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 physician. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.