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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness and trouble sleeping. The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, like tics, or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues 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 are available in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, resulting in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke. These medications are also proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing. Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and 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 medications, and the benefit was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to note that the type of medication that will be most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry throughout the day as they try to meet appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These can be very distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack. In these situations antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate. SSRIs SSRIs which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants. The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein synthesis. SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started. Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. adhd for adults medication could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications. In addition to medication and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found tapping specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can increase anxiety for some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant based medicines While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for individuals with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been prescribed for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for those suffering from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually recommended to investigate and address the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD, as it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem. Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. They will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age and other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication. Other options Based on your individual health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness yoga, meditation, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), 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 simultaneously. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.