15 Reasons To Not Ignore ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationAnxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of their school or work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts 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 stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen 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 medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases 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 and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending more info a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while 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 and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.