ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, like tics, or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 can also be found in white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often 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 post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or 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 cause an increase website in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people 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 right for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, 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 can make it challenging to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.