ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep track of their school or work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. adhd medication uk are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a 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 recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
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 treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will target the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.