ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are 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. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be 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. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals and are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor read more may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like 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 found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.