5 Killer Quora Answers To ADHD Anxiety Medication

ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.

Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can a doctor prescribe adhd medication result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.

These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.

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 as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.

It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of projects for work or school. These can be extremely stressful and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.

In these instances, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They 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 and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case coping with adhd without medication other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.

In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with adhd anxiety medication (This Web site). However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started.

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.

In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.

Non-stimulant-based medications

While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and 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 concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents dealing with adhd without medication ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and adhd medication guanfacine. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically reduce anxiety symptoms.

In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.

Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.

Other options

Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.