ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.

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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.

They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of projects for work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or fear.

In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to work. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has high or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause severe side effects.

The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.

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

Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. They can doctors prescribe adhd medication also 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 can increase blood pressure in some individuals and should not be used by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to how does medication for adhd work. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for adhd medication names (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.

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. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies address the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.

Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.