15 Shocking Facts About ADHD Anxiety Medication

ADHD and Anxiety Medication

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

The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.

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 result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.

These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. 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. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.

In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little 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 duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from 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 class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.

SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.

The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.

There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat 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 such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.

Antidepressants are also frequently 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.

In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications here work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.