ADHD and Anxiety Medication<br /><br />The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety for many people suffering from ADHD. But non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can ease anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Antidepressants like citalopram and escitalopram can help reduce anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or atenolol. They can be prescribed either as a first-line treatment or to complement other medications.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to those with ADHD in order to aid in their focus and control their behaviour. They can also help treat anxiety. However, stimulants may cause adverse effects that make them less effective for anxiety treatment. Before starting any medication, it's important to talk with your physician about this issue.<br /><br /><br /><br />Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine All of which are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category include amphetamines methylphenidate, and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).<br /><br />A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on a number of studies that utilized validated scales and prospective methodology. It is important to note that these studies were based on open-label trials however, they did not compare the results to the placebo group. The results should therefore be viewed with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, randomized trials.<br /><br />In general, stimulants can cause many adverse side effects that could be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include:<br /><br />Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting<br /><br />Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increased heart rate or blood pressure that can be dangerous in people with an underlying history of heart disease. They also can reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a delay in growth when taking stimulant medication. This is typically a mild effect and doesn't affect the height of a person.<br /><br />Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are typically prescribed when stimulants don't provide relief or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications do not work like stimulants do but they can be very effective. They work more slowly, prolonging the activity of brain receptors involved in regulating behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication extensively used to treat ADHD, has very low abuse or addiction risk. However, there is <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">adhd treatment medication</a> that states it could trigger suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.<br /><br />The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, some mental health professionals might prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety, and they can also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.<br /><br />Clonidine is a medication that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine, are two other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".<br /><br />In addition to medication and behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) concentrates on teaching skills that can be used to conquer anxiety-related issues and improve performance. It helps people identify and modify unhelpful thinking patterns that cause anxiety.<br /><br />