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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of work or school. These can be very distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They may 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 both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals and should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which how does medication for adhd work can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually recommended to investigate and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.