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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but they can cause adverse effects, such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medication. Stimulants Stimulants are substances 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 white or brown dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke. The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of relieving the symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally lower in those with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced. Studies have shown that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks. It is crucial to remember that the kind of medication best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition is more affecting the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular phobia or panic attack would. In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take a while to begin working. The most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline Serotonin, Fluoxetine and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has high or racing heart rate. SSRIs Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. They are more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and fewer severe adverse effects. The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to increased levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), which stimulates protein production. SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts in certain people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin. SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder. more.. (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they are not recommended for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. In more.. to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points of the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD adults and children. Non-stimulant based medicines While stimulants are extremely 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. These medications can trigger side effects like jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could resemble or exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Non-stimulant medicines are a 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 they are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear. It is quite common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will address the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, reduce anxiety. Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target the brain chemical Serotonin can help relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health issues. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication. Other options Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep and 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 at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.