Five Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also notice 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 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of a panic attack or phobia.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They 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, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in 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 and reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people suffering from adhd Anxiety medication. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective at treating adhd treatment medication and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce adhd medication without prescribing symptoms which, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from 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 which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation, 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 medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.
