10 Reasons That People Are Hateful Of ADHD Anxiety Medication
10 Reasons That People Are Hateful Of ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control executive and attention. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the effect was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to note that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear.
In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another kind of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some people therefore they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that 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 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 targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is quite common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by more info their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. This is because these therapies address the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medication like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants are.