10 Unexpected ADHD And Anxiety Medication Tips
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and their symptoms can worsen when they take stimulants. But non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can ease anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can help reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, such a propranolol and atenolol can be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed as a first-line treatment or as an addition to other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are commonly prescribed for ADHD to help those who have a limited attention span focus and control their behavior. They can also help treat anxiety. However, stimulants can cause adverse effects that can make them less effective for anxiety treatment. It is essential to discuss this issue with your physician prior to starting medication.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications that fall under this category include amphetamines, methylphenidate, as well as pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine bath salts, cocaine, and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on a number of studies that used well-validated scales and prospective methodology. These studies were open-label and did not compare results with an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the results should be considered with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants cause many adverse negative side effects that can be uncomfortable or dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can result in an increased heart rate or blood pressure which can be harmful for people who have a history of cardiovascular problems. They can also reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss. Children and adolescents may also experience a delay in growth when taking stimulant medication. This effect is not severe and doesn't impact the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants fail to assist or cause unacceptable side effects. managing adhd without medication don't work like stimulants do but they can be very efficient. They function slower, extending brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a popular non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low risk of abuse or addiction. It has a warning that it can cause suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants for treating ADHD. However, some mental health professionals might prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in order to reduce anxiety, and can also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. The most commonly used antidepressants used to treat both anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that affects the vagus nervous system and guanfacine, are two other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching techniques that can be utilized to combat underlying anxiety and improve functioning. It also assists people in learning to recognize and modify harmful thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety.