ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause 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 for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to stay on top of their school or work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.

In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.

They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.

The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals and should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.

non stimulant adhd medications for adults-stimulant medicines are a 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 targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with adhd medication guanfacine (visit this hyperlink). Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

It is very common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.

Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of new adhd medication, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non medication treatment for adhd-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.