Is Technology Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
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 are also available in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with 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 diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as 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 useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis.
They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals and should not be used by those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
In addition to medication, there are a number of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected Iam Psychiatry clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments address the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, reduce the anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.