ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects such as tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.

Stimulants

The use of stimulants is 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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.

The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.

It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and adhd medications symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.

In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.

SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They also can a doctor prescribe adhd medication without a diagnosis increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.

In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

non stimulant adhd medication-stimulant based medicines

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or adhd medications for adults. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even 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 cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before tackling adhd medication making it worse. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

It is common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these therapies target the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting 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 right for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.