What Freud Can Teach Us About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and severe adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems. The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced. Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. For example, an individual 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 distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than the symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety. In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may 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) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has high or racing heart rate. SSRIs SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs, are often 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 obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins. Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them. In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD adults and children. Non-stimulant based medications While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms. Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD. Bupropion is another drug that can ease anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms. It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these therapies tackle the root cause of the problem and help reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease anxiety. adhd medication uk can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline. The final decision of which medication is best for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential 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 may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.