10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Regarding ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps as well as paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people 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 lasted for 8 weeks.
It is important to note that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they try to meet appointments or keep up with 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 the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used 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 in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant drugs are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the first drug of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they are less likely to cause severe side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal adhd and anxiety medication behaviour and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be taken by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to have anxiety-related adverse 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 and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies target the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be decided by your doctor. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep, 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 at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.