So , You've Purchased ADHD Anxiety Medication ... Now What?
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to stay on top of projects for work or school. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.
In these situations, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular 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. 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, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings like 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 may cause does adhd medication work blood pressure to rise in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is very common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies target the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be decided by your physician. They will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.