ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when 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, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take a while to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based here medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies address the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting 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.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping 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 simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.