Why We Our Love For ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Also!)
ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability. The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication. 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke. The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control attention and executive functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminish. Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit lasted for 8 weeks. It is important to note that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has more impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would. In these situations, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure. SSRIs SSRIs, which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this category is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than previous generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs inhibit 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 it would otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and actions in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder. The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom, 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 avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults. adhd anxiety medication -stimulant-based medicines While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the 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 find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD. Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it can make anxiety symptoms disappear. In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating 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 in turn, decrease anxiety. Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline. Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication. Other options Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits. People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.