ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or finish projects at work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of 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 output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs 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 and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively 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 in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from 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.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor your treatment go als and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could 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 at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.