ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or phobia.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.
