ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
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. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD
who prescribes adhd medication also have anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of their school or work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These
Can a Doctor prescribe adhd medication without a diagnosis be taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with
mild adhd medication. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (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 side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with 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 for inattentive adhd.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address 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 as stimulants are.