ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, 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 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 as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or phobia.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. These medications can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific 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 stay away from sugar, as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often 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.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, check here which target serotonin, a brain chemical, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), 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 at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.