ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, related web-site -related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. These can be very distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as 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 especially beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
adhd medications for adults -stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult 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.