14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About ADHD Anxiety Medication
14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety levels increase when they are 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. They can be found in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may result in over-stimulation, anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions has the greatest impact on a person’s quality of living. For instance, a person may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of their work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances it is possible to treat 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 can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cells more than check here is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the production of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
Additionally, SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
Although stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it can reduce anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain can ease 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 consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial 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 objectives, there are additional treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.