ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety in a lot of people with ADHD. But non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help relieve anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also help reduce anxiety, specifically selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or atenolol. They may be prescribed as a first line treatment or as a complement to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that increases activity in the central nervous systems. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help people with short attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. treating adhd without medication treat anxiety. Stimulants can cause negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. Before starting any medication, it is crucial to speak with your physician about this issue.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other drugs in this category are amphetamines, pseudoephedrine, and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other substances like bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones) and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on several studies using validated scales and methodologies as well as prospective ones. It is important to keep in mind that these studies were based on open-label studies however, and did not compare the results with a placebo group. Therefore, the results should be taken with caution until further research is conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants can cause many adverse negative side effects that can be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some of the most common are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure that can be dangerous for those with a history of heart problems. They also can reduce appetite, which may result in weight loss. These medications can also slow growth in some children and adolescents. The effect is usually mild and does not affect the height of an individual.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are usually prescribed when stimulants don't provide relief or cause undesirable side effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants, but can be extremely beneficial. They work more slowly and prolong the function of brain receptors involved in the regulation of behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication extensively used to treat ADHD is a drug with a low addiction or abuse risk. However, it has a warning on its label that it may cause suicidal ideas in a small percentage of people.
Antidepressants are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however some mental health professionals prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety, and they can also help with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Other medications that can be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine, which works on the vagus nerve and guanfacine, which acts on a specific chemical in the brain called norepinephrine.
Behavioral therapy is a good option for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety in addition to medications. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques to help overcome anxiety and improve performance. It assists people to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute towards anxiety.