5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Anxiety Medication
5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 are available in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even 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 don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended read more to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. 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 often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions prior to making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.