Are You Getting The Most Of Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used 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 the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can 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 instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually 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, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines 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 cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that adhd medications target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule 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 yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.