ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while taking 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.

The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for school or work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or fear.

In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to begin working. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious side effects.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.

Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.

In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can A doctor prescribe adhd medication resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

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 heart rate or blood pressure 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 help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.

In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.

Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of adhd medication and pregnancy, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.