Why We Enjoy ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Too!)
Why We Enjoy ADHD Anxiety Medication (And You Should Too!)
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating 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 activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. For example, an individual may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of their school or work. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are administered orally and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It could also result in increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This may reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant drugs 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 are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can aid in relieving 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 your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people get more info who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.