ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Stimulants can exacerbate anxiety symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants like citalopram and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers such as propranolol or atenolol. They can be prescribed either as a first-line treatment or to complement other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to those with ADHD in order to aid in their focus and control their behaviour. They also treat anxiety. Stimulants can cause side effects which make them less effective in treating anxiety. Before beginning any medication, it's crucial to speak with your physician about this issue.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine, which are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines also fall into this category, as well as pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine, other drugs such as bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on a variety of studies that used validated scales and prospective methods. These studies were open-label and did not compare results with an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the results should be viewed with caution until further research has been conducted using controlled, random trials.
Stimulants can cause many adverse effects, some of which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Some of the most common are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increased heart rate or blood pressure that can be dangerous in people with an underlying history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which could cause weight loss. Children and adolescents may also experience a delay in growth when taking stimulant medication. This is typically a mild effect and does not alter the height of a person.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are often prescribed when stimulants do not aid or cause unacceptable adverse effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants however they are still very beneficial. They act more gradually, prolonging the activity of brain receptors involved in regulating behaviour and emotions. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug extensively used to treat ADHD, has an extremely low dependence or abuse risk. It is a cautionary drug that it can cause suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
Antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. see this website reduce anxiety by affecting the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They also aid with ADHD-related symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine, a drug that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are two other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
The use of behavioral therapy can be beneficial for people with ADHD or anxiety in addition to medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching techniques that can be used to conquer anxiety that is causing the problem and improve functioning. It also helps people learn to recognize and alter harmful thinking patterns that cause the anxiety.
