Why We Love ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Too!)

ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.

The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to 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 relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.

Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the type 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 an individual. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.

In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.

The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.

SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed here in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

The final decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, 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, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.