Why We Love ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Also!)

ADHD and Anxiety Medication People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia. Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics, or small growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications. Stimulants Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 can also be found in white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks. They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish. Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks. It is important to note that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety. In adhd anxiety medication or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take some time to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure. SSRIs SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than previous generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. adhd anxiety medication causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins. Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use. The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may 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 in addition, there are a variety of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant based medications While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD. Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is quite common for children with ADHD to experience issues 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 address the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce the anxiety. Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from 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. Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication. Other options Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, 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 bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.