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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders can be associated with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness sleep disturbance and irritability. Stimulant medication can help alleviate symptoms, but it may cause side effects such as tics or small growth reductions in adolescents and children. Many people also experience their anxiety rises when they take 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. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available in brown or white dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can result in over-stimulation, anxiety and panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Iam Psychiatry -term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious side effects like heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems. The medications that are typically prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves communication and activity between brain regions that regulate the executive and attention functions. This leads to increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced. Both atomoxetine (as as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to remember that the type of medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous mini-crises that cause worry on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be distressing and cause anxiety more often than symptoms of a panic attack or phobia. In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at the reduction of anxiety levels among adults. They are administered orally and may take a while to work. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs) which include Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are especially useful when a patient is suffering from an elevated heart rate or blood pressure. SSRIs SSRIs are antidepressants, are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs can also help treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs inhibit serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and communicate with the post synaptic cell more frequently than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase the output of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins. SSRIs can also reduce the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin. Another kind of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, functions differently than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can influence anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. People with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some individuals and should not be taken by those with high blood pressure or heart disease. In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping specific points of the body, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for individuals with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms. Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase the heart rate or blood pressure, and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects such as sweating, shaking or nervousness. Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, which is a brain chemical that can enhance attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine improved anxiety in adolescents and children with ADHD. Another drug that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is generally recommended to treat anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This can usually reduce the anxiety symptoms. It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective method of treating anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments will tackle the root cause of the problem and decrease ADHD symptoms and, consequently, decrease anxiety. Antidepressants are also prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which attack serotonin in the brain can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is most suitable for you. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age, as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication. Other options Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep and nutrition, as well as exercise and healthy eating habits. People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He typically prescribes stimulants to address ADHD before turning to non-stimulant medications like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.