7 Things About ADHD Anxiety Medication You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
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 are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little 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) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate 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 raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. adult add medications targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.
