Why We Why We ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Also!)
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or complete projects at work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these situations, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it can make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments tackle the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are most effective adhd medication for adults often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing 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 lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.