Why We Why We ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Also!) ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.

The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are 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. They are available in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.

They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.


Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which disorder 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 as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of their work or school. These can be very distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would.

In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.

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

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. adult adhd medication can raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.

In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar, since it can increase anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.

Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will address the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.

Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.

Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine while taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.