ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used 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 tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to work. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
buy adhd medication uk used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people therefore they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror 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 don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can ease 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. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.