15 Surprising Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication
15 Surprising Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people, so they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or 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 do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity here and impulsivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. This is because these treatments address the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.