The History Of ADHD And Anxiety Medication In 10 Milestones
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Stimulants can cause anxiety-related symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. But types of adhd medication -stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol can also be prescribed by doctors. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment or as an addition to other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help people with limited attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. However, stimulants may cause side effects that can make them less effective for anxiety treatment. Before starting any medication, it's essential to consult your doctor about this issue.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category include amphetamines pseudoephedrine, and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine, other substances like cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not cause an increase in anxiety symptoms in children suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon several studies using validated scales and prospective methodologies. These studies were open-label, and did not compare results to the control group. Therefore, the findings should be taken with caution until more research is conducted with controlled, randomized studies.
The stimulants can have a variety of adverse effects, some of which may be uncomfortable or even dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure which can be risky for those with a history of cardiovascular issues. They can also decrease appetite, which may cause weight loss. Stimulant medications can also delay growth in some children and adolescents. This effect is mild and doesn't affect the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants fail to help or cause unacceptable side negative effects. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they can be extremely beneficial. They work more slowly, prolonging the activity of brain receptors involved in regulating behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine is a popular non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low risk of abuse or addiction. However, it has an informational label that says it can trigger suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, some mental health professionals may prescribe these medications to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety and aid in reducing ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Other medications that may be employed "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine, which works on the vagus nerve, and guanfacine. Both act on a specific chemical in the brain called norepinephrine.
The use of behavioral therapy can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety in addition to medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) concentrates on teaching techniques that can be used to conquer anxiety that is causing the problem and improve functioning. It assists people to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that can cause anxiety.