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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness irritability and trouble sleeping. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can also cause side-effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications. Stimulants Stimulants can be 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 are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. The long-term use of stimulants could also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke. The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the availability of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that control the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing. Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in the first week of treatment for both drugs, and the benefit was continued for 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to remember that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone may experience lots of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis as they rush around to make appointments or try to keep on top of school or work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or phobia. In these cases it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. her response are taken orally and may take some time to take effect. The most common options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs) that include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) which include venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure. SSRIs Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this group is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less side effects than older generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cells more often than it would otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins. In addition, the SSRIs may reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment. Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in some individuals, so they are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or heart disease. In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people have found that tapping on certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD adults and children. Non-stimulant-based medications While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched however they are not the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms. Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines 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 such as sweating, shaking or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to address the anxiety first before treating ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear. In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this scenario. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue. Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline. Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication. Other options Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage 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 difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances as stimulants.