14 Common Misconceptions About ADHD Anxiety Medication
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly 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 of parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has more impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it is possible to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood add adhd medications and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine 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 (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.