Five Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can 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) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They also impact anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. adhd medication pregnancy Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.