Undeniable Proof That You Need ADHD Anxiety Medication
Undeniable Proof That You Need ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, like tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these cases, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the check here ADHD because it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root of the issue and help reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.