Now That You've Purchased ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What?
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine 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 impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or fear.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are frequently 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 medications are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause severe side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
add in adults medication is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving 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 consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.