5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know Concerning ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to stay on top of projects for school or work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however 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 drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some 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 best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more 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 are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. adhd depression medication is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.