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ADHD and Anxiety Medication People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping. The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it may cause side effects like tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. Many people also experience their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication. Stimulants Stimulants are a class of drugs 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. They can be found in capsules, tablets crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. The use of large doses can result in over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke. The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the availability of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease. Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks. It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that may be best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or complete 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 phobia or panic attack would. In these instances it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most common options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety, and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from high blood pressure. SSRIs SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and fewer dangerous adverse effects. The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production. In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they are first started. Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people, so they should not be used by anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. In addition to medications, there are a number of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found that tapping on specific points on their body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can recommend eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively but they are not always the best choice for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms. Since 2002, non-stimulant medications have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. adhd and medication collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. It is very 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 therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem. Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline. Ultimately, the decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication. Other options Depending on your unique health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep, 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.