ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.

Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.

The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.

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

It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.

In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, 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 can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.

Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.

The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not read more recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.

There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

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 and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.

In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants may also be prescribed to people suffering from 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.

Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

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

People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.