7 Things About ADHD Anxiety Medication You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
7 Things About ADHD Anxiety Medication You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse 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 drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Large doses can lead to 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 such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which 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 usually best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right more info for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep and 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.