Are You Getting The Most Out Of Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
learn this here now reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals and are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.