ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
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. They can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
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 the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to stay on top of work or school. best adhd medication can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first 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 are less likely to cause serious side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of 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 can reduce anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. 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.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.