ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of school or work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In adhd and depression medication , it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit 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 venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which creates 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 increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies address the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, 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 typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.