The 12 Best ADHD Anxiety Medication Accounts To Follow On Twitter
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or complete projects at work or school. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
add medication adults may also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based 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 with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.