11 Creative Ways To Write About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and sleeplessness.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects such as tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 can be found in capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both medications, and the benefit was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule when they have to rush to make appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this category is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals therefore adhd stimulant medication they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied, they may not be the most appropriate choice for people who also 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.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and address the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. They will take a look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. 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, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.