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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it can cause adverse effects, such as tics or minor growth reductions in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications. Stimulants Stimulants are used 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 tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They can also be found in white or brown dust. Massive doses of stimulants may create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke. These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally less in people suffering from ADHD. This boosts activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms decrease. Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks. It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. These can be stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of a panic attack or anxiety. In these cases it is possible to treat anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are typically taken orally and can take a little longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has high blood pressure. SSRIs Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell for more times than would otherwise occur. This may increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein production. SSRIs can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal behavior and thoughts among some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may decrease anxiety and stress. They also can boost the mood of adults with bipolar disorder. The most common SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs can cause blood pressure to increase in certain individuals, so those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should stay clear of them. There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in conjunction with medication. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, as can practicing yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend a diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications While stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD and have been studied extensively however they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and 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. Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as hyperactivity. Studies have also shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out whether atomoxetine reduced anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD. Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety symptoms is bupropion which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually recommended to investigate and treat the root cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD because that will usually reduce anxiety symptoms. In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children are the cause of their anxiety. medications for adhd for anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychostimulants. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem. Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin in the brain, can help to relieve anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your physician. They will consider your symptoms, lifestyle and age, as well as other health issues before suggesting any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication. Other options Depending on your unique health objectives, there are additional treatments that could be beneficial in managing 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 simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances similar to stimulants.