The Advanced Guide To ADHD Anxiety Medication
The Advanced Guide To ADHD Anxiety Medication
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however 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 can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people 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 treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
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 raise heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since that will usually make 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 and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve 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 decided by your physician. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be helpful for managing 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 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, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine here for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.