ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People coping with adhd without medication ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd medication ritalin) 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 as a brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over the counter adhd medication-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as 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 help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect lasted 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 condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can 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 commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause 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 adhd medication). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different types of adhd medication medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best non stimulant adhd Medication for adults to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments target the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can ease 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 made by your physician. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/coe-2022.png)
