14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About ADHD Anxiety Medication
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to stay on top of projects for work or school. These can be stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these instances, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take a while to take effect. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD Iam Psychiatry (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is very common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and 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 medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.