ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, such as tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medications.
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. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to work, 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 duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or 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 don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
adhd anxiety medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before recommending 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 may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.