ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
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 find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
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 white or brown powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication best 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. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of school or work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. medications for adhd in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting 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 reduces anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.