So , You've Purchased ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What?
So , You've Purchased ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What?
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
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, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for more info treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.