ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the
most popular adhd medication popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally a good idea to try and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their
mild adhd medication symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which
Uk Medication For Adhd is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety.