So You ve Bought ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics, or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues 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 capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with safest adhd medication and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both treatments improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication for odd and adhd that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of their school or work. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these instances, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating 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 side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from adhd medications for adults. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce 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 decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best medication for adhd to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.