Why We Our Love For ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Also!)
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can 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 medication.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. These can be very distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also 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 medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. adhd medication for adults uk It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will address the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is right for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping 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 at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.