5 Things That Everyone Doesn't Know Concerning ADHD Anxiety Medication
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used to treat 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. They are available in tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention. This results in increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective for 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. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among 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) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise concerta adhd medication in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror 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 blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.