Tips For Explaining ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
ADHD and Anxiety MedicationAnxiety disorders are often associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are substances 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 can be found in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a brown or white powder. Large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD are also proven to have a track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the amount of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically less in people suffering from ADHD. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to make appointments or try to stay on top of their school or work. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of a panic attack or phobia.
In these cases, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to begin working. The most popular options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. These can be taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are a bit more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they are less likely to cause serious adverse effects.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cells more often than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when first starting.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce 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 common SNRIs. SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body parts, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate and nervousness that could mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 here (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine. It is a brain chemical that improves attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been found to reduce anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will typically help to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
It is common for children with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective treatment for anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with coexisting 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 and Sertraline.
In the end, the decision on the right medication for you will be determined by your physician. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health conditions. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatments that could help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.