Five Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep track of projects for work or school. These can be stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these instances it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
IamPsychiatry reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.