ADHD and Anxiety Medication<br /><br />Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.<br /><br />Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br /><br /><br />Stimulants are substances 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 are available in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.<br /><br />They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.<br /><br />Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.<br /><br />It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would.<br /><br />In these cases it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used 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 drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.<br /><br />SSRIs<br /><br />Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.<br /><br />The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">medication for adult add</a> can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.<br /><br />In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.<br /><br />SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder.<br /><br />The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.<br /><br />In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and to avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.<br /><br />Non-stimulant based medications<br /><br />While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.<br /><br />Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.<br /><br />Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.<br /><br />Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.<br /><br />It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments target the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.<br /><br />Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.<br /><br />Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.<br /><br />Other options<br /><br />Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.<br /><br />People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.<br /><br />