20 Things You Must Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
20 Things You Must Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that 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 suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these instances it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to take effect. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate 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 the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that more info is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health issues. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial in managing 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, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. 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 similar to stimulants.