ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication best for 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 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 a panic attack or fear.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. adhd medications for adults gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily 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, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.