ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.

Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants are 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.

The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.

Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.

In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.

SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad read more of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on 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 suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medicines

While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms 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 side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.

In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.