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ADHD and Anxiety Medication People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while 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 are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems. They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing. Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder is more affecting the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis when they have to make appointments or try to keep track of their work or school. These can be stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of a panic attack or fear. In these cases the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are administered orally and may take some time to work. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. 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, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. iampsychiatry.uk are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious adverse effects. The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis. They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder. The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid sugar, since it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant based medicines While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen symptoms of anxiety. 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 suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety. Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your physician and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication. Other options Other options for treatment may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, 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, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.