Are You Getting The Most From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects such as tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people 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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has more impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, a person may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and adhd medication adults uk stress. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for people 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 medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. 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 make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.