11 Creative Ways To Write About ADHD Anxiety Medication

ADHD and Anxiety Medication

People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia.

Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.

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 tablets, capsules, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic as well as paranoia and aggression. The long-term use of stimulants could cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.

The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease.

Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks.

It is important to remember that the kind of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has more impact on a person’s quality of living. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or finish projects at work or school. These are stressful and cause anxiety more often than signs of panic attacks or fear.

In these cases it is possible to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take some time to work. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially effective when a patient is suffering from a racing or elevated heart rate.

SSRIs

Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants.

The SSRIs block serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.

Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD.  medication for adult add  can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.

SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This may reduce feelings such as 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 commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find tapping on specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.

Non-stimulant-based medications

Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best option for those who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms.

Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like sweating, shaking, or nervousness.

Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD.

Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.

It is common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are typically the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments target the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety.

Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical, can help to relieve 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. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.

Other options

Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits.

Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, making 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. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.