ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 as a brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep track of work or school. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are 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 utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug 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. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals and should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do more info not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies address the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule 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, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.