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ADHD and Anxiety Medication People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication. Stimulants Stimulants are used to treat 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 tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious adverse effects such as heart problems, high pressure and stroke. The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish. Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to note that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could come down to which condition has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, a person might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of projects for work or school. add adhd medication can be extremely stressful and can cause them to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a specific phobia or panic attack would. In these cases it may be beneficial to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and can take a long time to work. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include duloxetine and venlafaxine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate. SSRIs Antidepressants, including SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more flexible than previous generations of antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects. The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis. SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can 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 may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started. SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use. The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications. 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 on certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medicines While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied, they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause adverse effects like increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used 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 side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to alleviate 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 treating 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 boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear. In some cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the issue. Antidepressants are often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target serotonin, a brain chemical can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. In the end, the decision on which medication is right for you will be made by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication. Other options Other treatment options may be beneficial for 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. People with anxiety are more likely to suffer from symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both conditions at the same time. He usually prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine, or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.