What You Should Be Focusing On Improving ADHD Anxiety Medication
What You Should Be Focusing On Improving ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
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 are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically 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 an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to work, but the most commonly used 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 in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs can, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine more info (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, 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 and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping, nutrition, 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 simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.