If You've Just Purchased ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What?
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
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 are available in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, her response can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. adult adhd medication can also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. adhd and medication that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.