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Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.

The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when 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 that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over the counter adhd medication for adults-stimulation and result in anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.

It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of their work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.

In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious side effects.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.

Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based drugs

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate 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 do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.

In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies target the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.

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