Why We Enjoy ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Too!)
Why We Enjoy ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Too!)
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant drugs.
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. They are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or keep up with projects at work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or phobia.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to begin working. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among 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 is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could help you manage 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, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for here anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.