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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can also cause side-effects like tics, or slight growth decreases in adolescents and children. medication for adhd uk find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications. Stimulants The use of stimulants is 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 capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a brown or white powder. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks. They have also been proven to relieve anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication of the parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing. Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The effect continued for 8 weeks. It is important to remember that the type of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or finish assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of a panic attack or fear. In these situations it is possible to address the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine and venlafaxine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially useful if the patient experiences an elevated heart rate or blood pressure. SSRIs SSRIs which are antidepressant drugs, are often 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 medications are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants. The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which may reduce anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate the synthesis of proteins. They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. 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 of serotonin and norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which can reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use. The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in certain individuals, so they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease. There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping specific body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels which is the hormone responsible for anxiety. Diet and exercise can also help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding sugar, which can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen anxiety symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally recommended to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms. It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue. Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline. In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, in addition to other health conditions. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication. Other options Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.