15 Amazing Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication
15 Amazing Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, 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 cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause serious side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the 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 norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, more info the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can 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. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health issues before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep and 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 simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.