ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants

The use of stimulants is 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 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 can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.

The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases 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 diminishing.

Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.

It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on a person’s quality of living. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.

In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.

They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.

Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals and should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and adhd medication names for adults that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

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 side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can 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 blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies address the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.

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

Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician 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 help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of stopping adhd medication weekends adults, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.