ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained 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 is more affecting the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. adhd in adults medication 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. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make 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. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.