15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore ADHD Anxiety Medication
15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as 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 supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little 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) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to 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). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with website ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could be helpful for 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 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 usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts 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.