5 Tools Everyone In The ADHD Anxiety Medication Industry Should Be Using
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different types of adhd medication kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non amphetamine adhd medication (speaking of)-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents 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 another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective adhd medication effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from managing adhd without medication and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep and 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 typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.