ADHD and Anxiety Medication

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

The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.

The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be 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. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.

In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.

SSRIs

SSRIs which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.

The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake 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 otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.

Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.

Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can doctors prescribe adhd medication enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most effective adhd medication for adults popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.

In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medicines

Although stimulants are highly 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. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.

In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.

Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also help you manage 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 challenging to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.

좋아요 0