So , You've Bought ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What?
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of their school or work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to begin working. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often 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 depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from 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 norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. adhd adults medication I Am Psychiatry can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven 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 in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.