Why You Should Focus On Improving ADHD Anxiety Medication
Why You Should Focus On Improving ADHD Anxiety Medication
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are 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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals and should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children adhd medication ritalin and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 challenging to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.