ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and their symptoms can worsen when they are taking stimulants. Non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such a propranolol and atenolol, may be prescribed by doctors. They may be prescribed as a first-line treatment or to complement other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients who suffer from ADHD to aid in their focus and manage their behavior. They can also treat anxiety. The use of stimulants can result in adverse effects that make them less effective in treating anxiety. adhd treatment medication is crucial to discuss this with your physician prior to beginning treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other drugs in this category include amphetamines pseudoephedrine, and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine bath salts, cocaine and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis in 2015 concluded that taking ADHD medication did not cause more anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on a number of studies that used well-validated scales and a prospective methodology. It is important to remember that these studies were based on open-label trials, however, they did not compare the results against a placebo group. Therefore the results should be viewed cautiously until further research is conducted using controlled and randomized studies.
Stimulants can cause many side effects, some of which may be unpleasant or dangerous. Some of the most commonly reported adverse effects are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Occasionally, stimulants can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure which can be harmful for people with a history of cardiovascular problems. They also can reduce appetite, which can cause weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a delay in growth when taking stimulant medications. The effect isn't severe and doesn't affect the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants do not help or cause unacceptable side effects. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they can be extremely beneficial. They are more gradual in their action by extending the activities of brain receptors that are involved in the regulation of behaviour and emotions. Atomoxetine is a well-known non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low risk of addiction or abuse. However, it comes with a warning on its label that says it can trigger suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, certain mental health professionals might prescribe them to patients who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety. They work by affecting the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety, and can also help with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants that are often used to treat both anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that affects the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
Behavioral therapy is a good option for people with ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is primarily focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve performance. It helps people identify and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that contribute towards anxiety.
