15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore ADHD Anxiety Medication
15 Reasons You Shouldn't Ignore ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.
In these cases it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can 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 some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be taken by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to 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 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 the brain chemical norepinephrine and can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not click here controlled substances, like stimulants.