Are You Making The Most Of Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Are You Making The Most Of Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when 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 tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of their work or school. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include 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 a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often best to address the anxiety first check here before treating ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD 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 decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.