ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.

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 capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.

These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.

It is important to note that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.

In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious adverse effects.

The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other get more info circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.

SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.

The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.

In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medicines

Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it can reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some 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 type of situation. This is because these treatments tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options could 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.

People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.