ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants are 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.

They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or fear.

In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly 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 adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.

In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.

Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take these medications.

In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based drugs

Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Since 2002, non medication Treatment for adhd (www.stes.Tyc.edu.Tw)-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (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 adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated 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 find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is another drug that can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. 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 simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances like stimulants.