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ADHD and Anxiety Medication People with ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping. Stimulant medication can help ease these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Additionally, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medication. Stimulants The use of stimulants is 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 can be found in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a brown or white powder. Large doses can lead to over-stimulation, resulting in anxiety, panic, stomach cramps, paranoia and aggression. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke. They have also been proven to reduce anxiety symptoms. They work by increasing brain chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This increases activity and communication between brain regions that regulate executive and attention. This leads to an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced. Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both drugs and the benefits were sustained through 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to note that the type medication that will be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur may depend on which of the conditions is more detrimental to the quality of life of a person. One may experience numerous small-scale crises that cause anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or finish tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequent basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would. In these instances antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to combat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be used together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have an elevated or racing heart rate. SSRIs SSRIs which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than previous generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter inside the synapse and signal the post synaptic cell more than would be the case otherwise. This may increase the output of norepinephrine and reduce anxiety. It could also result in higher levels of the neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production. adult add medication can also reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some individuals with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some individuals. They also can increase appetite and weight gain when first starting. Another type of antidepressant, known as SNRIs, performs differently than SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may have an effect on anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of heart muscle and blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder can also benefit from their use. The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain individuals, so people with high blood pressure and heart disease should not take them. There are many treatment options for anxiety and ADHD that can be used in addition to medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar as it can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched however they are not the most appropriate choice for people who also suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant drugs can cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may mimic or even 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 blood pressure or heart rate and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can improve attention and reduce impulsivity as well as 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 PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and treat the underlying cause of anxiety before treating the ADHD since it can reduce anxiety symptoms. It is quite common for kids with ADHD to suffer from anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these circumstances is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem. Antidepressants may also be 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. The final decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your physician. Before recommending a drug, they will take into consideration your lifestyle, symptoms, age, in addition to other health issues. It is crucial to discuss your goals for treatment with your doctor and stick to a regular schedule when taking any medication. Other options Based on your specific health objectives, there are additional treatment options that may also be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. They are available 24/7 and are not controlled drugs like stimulants.