Is Technology Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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 white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that control executive and attention. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition has more impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, a person might experience a lot of anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep on top of work or school. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to work. The most common choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These can be 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 often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generations of antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active within the synapse and communicate with the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production.
Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the function of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on specific 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 recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical, can help to relieve 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 look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health conditions. It is very important to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to adhd medications for adults experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.