ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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. They can be found in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, 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 availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. adhd in adults medication leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry 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 a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some 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 those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
adhd medication adults by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to reduce 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.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. 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 with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.