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ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.

Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants can be used 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.

These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. 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 methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.

In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.

The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.

In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.

The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.

In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.

Non-stimulant-based medicines

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Non-stimulant medications 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 than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with best adhd medication for adults.

Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-existing depression and adhd anxiety Medication. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients 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.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.

Other options

Other options for treatment may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.