Are You Getting The Most Out From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of projects for school or work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of a panic attack or phobia.
In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects non prescription adhd medication like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your doctor. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.