ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of a panic attack or phobia.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. medications for adhd uk can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase 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 aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain 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 conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment 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 yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.