ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, 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.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these situations, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting 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 would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP click here (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also cause 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. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven 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 reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve 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 take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.