Are The Advances In Technology Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
Are The Advances In Technology Making ADHD Anxiety Medication Better Or Worse?
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. In addition, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the condition known as 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Both treatments improved anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and can cause them to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have high or racing heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also aid in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer serious side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can improve the mood of some people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is very common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have 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, get more info and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and 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, then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.