ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and their symptoms can worsen when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine (Qelbree), can help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, such as citalopram and escitalopram can help reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, may be prescribed by a doctor. They may be prescribed as a first-line treatment or as an add-on to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients with ADHD in order to help them focus and control their behaviour. They can also help treat anxiety. However, stimulants may result in side effects that make them less effective in anxiety treatment. Before beginning any medication, it's essential to consult your doctor about this issue.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Amphetamines are also included in this category, as are pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine and other drugs like cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 concluded that the use of ADHD medication did not worsen anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on a number of studies that utilized validated scales and a prospective methodology. adhd medication and pregnancy were open-label and did not compare results with the control group. These results should be considered with caution until further research is conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants cause a variety of side effects that may be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Some common ones include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Occasionally, stimulants can cause an increased heart rate or blood pressure that can be dangerous in people who have a history of cardiovascular problems. They also can reduce appetite, which can lead to weight loss. The stimulant drugs can also slow growth in certain children and adolescents. This is typically a mild effect and does not alter the height of a person.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants don't help or cause unacceptable side negative effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants however they can be extremely beneficial. They act more gradually and prolong the function of brain receptors that are involved in the regulation of the way we behave and our emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication widely used for ADHD has a low addiction or abuse risk. However, it comes with an indication on its label that states it could cause suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients with ADHD and anxiety. They work by affecting the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety, and they can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. The most commonly used antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Other medications that can be utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine which acts on the vagus nerve and guanfacine, which acts on a specific brain chemical known as norepinephrine.
The use of behavioral therapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is primarily focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve performance. It also assists people in learning to recognize and alter harmful thinking patterns that cause the anxiety.