Is Tech Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This leads to an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of work or school. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best option to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial if a patient has high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation in some people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which can decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
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 increase heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and address the root causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD since it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. This is because these treatments target the root of the issue and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will consequently, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often prescribed for those with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your treatment goals and to stick to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, 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 prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, how does medication for adhd work and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.