ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.

Stimulants

Stimulants are 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 that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.

These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help 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 that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.

It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.

In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best medication for anxiety depression and adhd choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.

SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.

The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments target the root of the problem and reduce adhd medication over the counter uk symptoms and, consequently, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.

The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.