ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Additionally, 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 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 tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.

The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.

Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with 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 continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the type of medication for odd and adhd that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or complete projects at work or school. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.

In these instances it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.

The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.

Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.

The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.

There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medicines

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

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

Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.

In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.

The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health issues before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation 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, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.