Technology Is Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
Technology Is Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
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 are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between parts of the brain that control the executive and attention functions. This leads to improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the type medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety throughout the day as they rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these situations it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
They also decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also affect anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to rise in some people, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them.
In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medicines
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to here treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will target the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.