14 Common Misconceptions About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 can be found in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid 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 type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to make appointments or try to stay on top of their school or work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has 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, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. These medications can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. adult adhd medication can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. my response can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be used by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which 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, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.