10 Best Mobile Apps For ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as 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.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that can mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to have anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is very common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments will target the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. my response include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.