ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control executive and attention. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of school or work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce 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 among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients 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 underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. buy adhd medication uk will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, 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 simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.