What To Say About ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
What To Say About ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs.
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 capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues, high pressure and stroke.
The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that control attention and executive function. This leads to improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. The improvement in anxiety symptoms was evident from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the effect was maintained for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which condition has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. For instance, a person might be prone to frequent worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of work or school. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety or panic attack.
In these instances, antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and may take a little longer to take effect, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used in addition to cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs are antidepressant drugs are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also aid in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more versatile than earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause dangerous adverse effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would normally. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This can also increase levels read more of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in certain people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are highly effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best option for those with anxiety disorders and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
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 blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. It has also been shown to alleviate anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine helped reduce anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is common for kids with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will address the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin, a brain chemical can ease 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 determined by your doctor. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial in managing ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness, meditation 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 such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.