15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring ADHD Anxiety Medication
15 Reasons Not To Be Ignoring ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can cause side effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can concerta adhd medication affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. 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 if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from co-existing 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.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, depending 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 who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.