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ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects such as tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.

Stimulants

The use of stimulants is to treat 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.

The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.

Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.

In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has an elevated or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause severe side effects.

The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.

In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.

The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based drugs

While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown 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 whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.

In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety.  medication adhd adults -behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.

Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.

The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your physician. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep and 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 typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.