20 Fun Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
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 in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these cases it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing 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) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some adhd and anxiety medication ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been shown to reduce 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.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from 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 which medication is best for you will be determined by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, 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 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.