Five Killer Quora Answers To ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be 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, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain adhd Anxiety medication adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety or adhd medication making it worse. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their inattentive adhd medication uk symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non stimulant adhd medication-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.