ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate the 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. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to work. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may have website an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies target the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.