ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, like tics, or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to stay on top of school or work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently 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 typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class 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 versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since adhd treatment without medication , non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce 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 children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
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 method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.