What's Holding Back This ADHD Anxiety Medication Industry?
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People with ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 capsules, tablets crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can result in addiction and serious adverse effects, such as heart issues stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish.
adhd medication for adults (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms among adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits was evident for eight weeks.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the kind of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which condition has more impact on a person’s quality of living. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner as they rush to make appointments or complete tasks at school or at work. These can be very distressing and might cause them to be anxious on more of a frequent basis than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful when a patient is suffering from a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The first drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. They are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to remain active and signal the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which may reduce anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate the synthesis of proteins.
SSRIs also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they first begin.
Another type of antidepressant known as SNRIs, functions differently than the SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which can reduce feelings of 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). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should stay clear of these medications.
There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed alongside medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping specific body parts or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based medications
Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not the best choice for those who also suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can trigger negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate and nervousness that could be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Since 2002, non-stimulant drugs are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered articles on clinical research from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another medication that can help with anxiety symptoms. It is a brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, anxiety may be caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem.
Antidepressants can also be prescribed to people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health conditions. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and adhere to a daily schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other options for treatment may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications such as bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances like stimulants.