ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety for many people suffering from ADHD. But adhd medication and pregnancy -stimulant medicines like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants may also reduce anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors can also prescribe beta-blockers like propranolol or atenolol. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment, or as an add-on to other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for ADHD to help people with short attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. However, stimulants can sometimes cause side effects that make them less effective for anxiety treatment. Before beginning any medication, it is essential to consult your doctor about this concern.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine All of which are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, as well as pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other drugs such as bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon several studies that used validated scales and prospective methods. It is important to remember that these studies were based on open-label trials however, and did not compare the results with an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the results should be considered with caution until more research is conducted with controlled and randomized studies.
Stimulants can cause many side effects, some of which are uncomfortable or even dangerous. Some of the most common are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in blood pressure or heart rate which can be risky for people with a previous history of heart problems. They can also reduce appetite, which could cause weight loss. These medications can also slow growth in some children and adolescents. This effect is usually mild and does not alter the height of an individual.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are often prescribed when stimulants fail to help or cause intolerable adverse effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants, but can still be very helpful. They act more gradually by extending the activities of brain receptors involved in the regulation of behaviour and emotions. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug widely used for ADHD has very low abuse or addiction risk. However, it comes with an informational label that it may cause suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants for treating ADHD. However, certain mental health professionals might prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. They reduce anxiety by affecting the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They also aid with ADHD-related symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are frequently used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Other medications that are used "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine, which works on the vagus nerve and guanfacine, which acts on a specific chemical in the brain called norepinephrine.
The use of behavioral therapy can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve performance. It also helps people learn to recognize and change unhelpful habits of thinking that contribute to the anxiety.