20 Things You Should Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
20 Things You Should Know About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for school or work. 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 situations it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to work. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to website develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.