ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In adhd medication uk buy online , some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used 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 are also available as a white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition is more affecting a person's quality of life. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep on top of projects for work or school. These can be very distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to take effect. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine, venlafaxine and. These medications 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 commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce 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. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals therefore they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can cause anxiety in certain 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 option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are other treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, 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.