ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts 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, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. buy adhd medication uk may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.