ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking 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. They can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.

The drugs that are commonly 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. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep track of school or work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.

In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to begin working. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.

Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.

The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease 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 common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.

In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even 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 to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it can reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce the anxiety.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and website Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.