Three Reasons Why The Reasons For Your ADHD Anxiety Medication Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationAnxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for school or work. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best 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 may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating 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 serious side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
They also check here decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. People who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is quite common for children 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 situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.