Are You Making The Most From Your ADHD Anxiety Medication?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are 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 capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those 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. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration non stimulant adhd medication uk your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician 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 be beneficial in managing 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.