What Freud Can Teach Us About ADHD Anxiety Medication
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
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. You can find them in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type of medication that is 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 a person. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or anxiety.
In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than the earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous side effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first treating adhd without medication starting.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with 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 drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually a good idea to try and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances like stimulants.