14 Common Misconceptions Concerning ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationAnxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
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 find that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, 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 drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and can take a long time to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of 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 therefore they are more info not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since that will usually make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will target the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication 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 your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.