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ADHD and Anxiety Medication People with ADHD typically suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability. Stimulant medications can help alleviate these symptoms however, they may also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people find their anxiety worsens when taking stimulant medications. Stimulants Stimulants are drugs that are 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 tablets, capsules crystals, chunky clear crystals, or a white or brown powder. In large doses, they can cause excessive stimulation, which can cause anxiety and panic, stomach cramps, aggression and paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may cause addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke. The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine which are typically lower in those with ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms diminish. Both atomoxetine (as as well 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 effect continued for 8 weeks. It is important to note that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring disorders could depend on which condition has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. For instance, someone might be prone to frequent anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep on top of projects for work or school. They can be extremely distressing and cause people to feel anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would. In these instances, it might be best to treat anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a bit 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 can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure. SSRIs Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants. The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse and to signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis. In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation for some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and actions in some people. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. Another type of antidepressant, called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like adhd medication online may have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use. The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and heart disease should not take these medications. There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be employed in conjunction with medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on certain body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest a diet of whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications While stimulants are extremely effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger negative side effects, such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can help improve concentration and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can help improve anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD. Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is usually an excellent idea to identify and treat the root anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD since it can reduce anxiety symptoms. In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapies and psychostimulants. This is because these therapies address the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, in turn, decrease the anxiety. Antidepressants are often prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Your doctor will ultimately decide what medication is best for you. Before recommending a medication, they will take into consideration your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues. It is very important to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication. Other options Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that can be beneficial in managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping sleep nutrition, 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are used throughout the day and are not controlled substances as stimulants.