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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness. Stimulant medication can help ease 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 find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications. Stimulants Stimulants are substances 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. In large doses, they can cause over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can result in addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high pressure and stroke. They have also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing. Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both drugs showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks. It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of minor crises that create anxiety throughout the day when they have to rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or phobia. In these cases it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit longer to take effect, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate. SSRIs SSRIs are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug 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 side effects than older generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis. In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting. SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder. The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications. There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be utilized in addition to medication. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help lower the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant based medications While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs 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 are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness. adhd medications uk for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety 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 lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it can make anxiety symptoms disappear. In some instances anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem. Antidepressants can also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will look at your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication. Other options Based on your individual health objectives, there are additional treatment options that can help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep, nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits. Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.