Are You Getting The Most From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Are You Getting The Most From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to increased control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions 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 block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant read more medication can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.