ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it is possible to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that 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 blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents 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.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain, can help to 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 medication, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. adhd medication for adults uk is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.