ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.

These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to remember that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for school or work. These can be stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of a panic attack or fear.

In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious adverse effects.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.

Additionally, SSRIs can doctors prescribe adhd medication reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.

In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can doctors prescribe adhd medication cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

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

Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children 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 helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is quite common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce anxiety.

Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting all adhd medications 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 determine which medication for adhd and bipolar 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 your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

People who can prescribe medication for adhd are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat Adhd anxiety medication and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.