ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances 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 are also available in white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.

The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.

In these situations it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to work, 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 can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

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 earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.

The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.

Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.

The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and 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 cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.

In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

non stimulant adhd medications for adults-stimulant-based medications

While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered 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 alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it can reduce anxiety symptoms.

In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing common adhd medications and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, 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 at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.