ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants can be used 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.

Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of work or school. These can be very distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.

In these instances it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular 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 versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.

SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may 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 first begin.

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.

Non-stimulant based medicines

While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are here not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or 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 they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.

In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.

Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.

People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.