The Reasons To Focus On Enhancing ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationAnxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. For example, an individual might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of projects for work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these instances, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people and should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (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 side effects like sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in more info ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.