Are You Getting The Most Value Of Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause 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 as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they try to meet 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 might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on 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 highly effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs 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 in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side 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 can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This adhd anxiety medication is because these therapies address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have 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 determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage 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 who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.