ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication.
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 tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take a while to work. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication medication for adhd that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique 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.
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 first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.