20 Things You Should Be Educated About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take some time to work. add adhd medication are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a 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 are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, 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 atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.