15 Reasons To Not Ignore ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to stay on top of work or school. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also best medication for adhd have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help 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) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more 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 medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven 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 helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication 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 moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy 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 symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. 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 crucial to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.