ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
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 the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these cases it is possible to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to work. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications, are often 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 more versatile and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments address the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. adult adhd treatments that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.