20 Fun Informational Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationAnxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can cause side effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also cause 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 stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to 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 do not raise heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with read more ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers 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 is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.