5 Killer Quora Answers To ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause side effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and can take a long time to work. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences 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 are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
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 anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain 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 suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective in treating adhd anxiety medication and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication given for adhd that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication for inattentive adhd is right for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of all adhd medications, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.
