ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
best adhd medication for adults uk 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. They are available in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in 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. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be made by your physician. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and 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 typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.
