ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from 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 side effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. adhd medication for adults uk who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies target the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional 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.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.