What's Holding Back The ADHD Anxiety Medication Industry?
Wiki Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD often have co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness and trouble sleeping.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also result in side effects like small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. Additionally, some people experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (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 tablets, capsules crystals, 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 may cause addiction and serious side effects, such as heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke.
The drugs typically prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This boosts the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that control executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in control of impulses and anxiety symptoms decreasing.
Studies have shown that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Both drugs have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The benefits continued for 8 weeks.
It is crucial to remember that the type of medication that may be most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of mini-crises that cause worry in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with tasks at school or at work. They can be extremely distressing and might cause them to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these situations, it might be best to address the anxiety-related symptoms by taking antidepressants or SSRIs, which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are especially beneficial for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are commonly used to treat anxiety-related disorders. The prototype drug in this class is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more versatile than the earlier generation antidepressants, and they have fewer and less severe side effects.
The SSRIs inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cells more than would be the case otherwise. This can boost the output of norepinephrine which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins.
They also decrease the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the possibility of suicidal behavior and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can enhance the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. This can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They also can enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most popular SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta) and the venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). The SNRIs may raise blood pressure in certain individuals therefore they should not be used by those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease.
There are a variety of behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and stress. Some people find that tapping specific body points or techniques for emotional freedom helps reduce cortisol which is the hormone that causes anxiety. Diet and exercise can also aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant-based drugs
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been studied extensively, they are not always the best option for those with coexisting anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not raise the heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating, or nervousness.
Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. Studies have also proven that it is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to iampsychiatry.com determine if atomoxetine reduced anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD.
Another drug that can be effective in treating anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with coexisting depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. It is generally an excellent idea to identify and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD, as it will typically help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. The most effective approach to treat anxiety in these situations is usually cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as psychostimulants. This is because these treatments tackle the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms which, in turn, decrease the anxiety.
Antidepressants are often prescribed to people with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
Your doctor will ultimately determine which medication is right for you. Before recommending a medication, they will look at your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Based on your specific health goals, there are other treatments that could be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People with anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. 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.