11 Creative Methods To Write About ADHD Anxiety Medication
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia.
Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects like tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking 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. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available in white or brown dust. The use of large doses can result in excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and stomach cramps, panic, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems high blood pressure, heart problems and stroke.
These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by boosting brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts activity and communication between brain regions that regulate attention and executive function. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen in the first week of treatment for both medications and the effect was sustained through 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to keep in mind that the type of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of panic attacks or fear.
In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little 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) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more versatile than earlier versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less serious side effects.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin in synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. This can also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They can also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first introduced.
The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. They can also impact anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings like anxiety and stress. Some adults with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in some people and are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain points on the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps lower the cortisol hormone that creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can cause anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched but they are not the most appropriate choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can trigger adverse effects such as jitteriness, rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat adhd treatment medication ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as sweating, shaking, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and lessen symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately decide which medication is best for you. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health issues before making a recommendation for any medication. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a routine daily while 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, yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as 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 at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, bupropion, or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.