10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds Regarding ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and 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.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can 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.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some individuals and are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may 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 raise blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically reduce the anxiety symptoms.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues 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 circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. adhd treatment without medication are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.