Why You Should Concentrate On Enhancing ADHD Anxiety Medication
Why You Should Concentrate On Enhancing ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics, or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. In addition, some individuals have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. 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 control attention and executive function. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident in the first week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might come down to which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit 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) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at 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 can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first introduced.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medicines are a recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven 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 if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve moods and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
It is very common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is right for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss get more info with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a daily routine when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.