ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.

The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.

Stimulants

Stimulants can be 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.

These medications are also proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.

Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both treatments have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks.

It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person may experience lots of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or phobia.

In these instances it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and 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 a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.

SSRIs

SSRIs, which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects.

The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would normally. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.

Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.

SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.

The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant based medicines

Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best choice for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror 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 raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.

Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.

Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to investigate and treat the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. This is here because these treatments address the root of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.

Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.

Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.

Other options

Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.