ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people 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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.

They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.

Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who can prescribe adhd medication also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.

In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best medication for adhd combined type choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.

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

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.

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

In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based drugs

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could 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 raise blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best adhd medication uk to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.

In some 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 cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.

The final decision of which medication is best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

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

People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat 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 like stimulants.