Notes

Five Killer Quora Answers To ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.

Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects such as tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants

Stimulants can be 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. They are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can 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 brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to note that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for work or school. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of a panic attack or fear.

In these cases, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful if a patient has high or racing heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.

Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.

There are many treatment options 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 lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medicines

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.


Bupropion is another medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms.

It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.

Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from 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.

Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor your treatment goals and to stick to a daily routine when taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.

Read More: