11 Creative Ways To Write About ADHD Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
The use of stimulants is 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition is more affecting the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause severe adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They also affect anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of adults with bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Mindfulness practices can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also shown that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms 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 boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will typically make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments can 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 that target the brain chemical Serotonin can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is most suitable for you. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle, age and other health conditions before suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.
medications for adhd with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.