Are You Getting The Most From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Are You Getting The Most From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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. They are available in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control attention and executive function. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that may be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to begin working. The most popular choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people and are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is very common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating here habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.