The Best Way To Explain ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
The Best Way To Explain ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
Blog Article
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
People suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from co-occurring anxiety disorders. Anxiety can trigger irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety rises when they take stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat 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 are available in the form of tablets, capsules or chunky crystals. They are also available as a brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects such as heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke.
These medicines have also been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. They are effective by boosting brain chemical like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. They are less in ADHD patients. This increases the activity and communication of parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced.
Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both drugs improved anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit was evident for eight weeks.
It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication that is best for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms could come down to which condition has a larger impact on a person's quality of life. One may experience numerous minor crises that create anxiety on a regular schedule as they rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be extremely stressful and cause people to be anxious on more of a frequently than the symptoms of a particular anxiety disorder or panic attack would.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. They have been proven to be effective at reducing anxiety levels in adults. These are taken orally, and may take a while to begin working. The most commonly used choices are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These medications can be used in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety. They are particularly useful for patients who have a racing or elevated heart rate.
SSRIs
SSRIs, which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac, the prototype drug of this class is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. They are more adaptable and have fewer side effects than older generations of antidepressants.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to stay active and to signal the post synaptic cell more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This may increase the amount of norepinephrine released which reduces anxiety symptoms. It can also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis.
In addition, the SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety for those with ADHD. These medications can, however increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts among some people. They can also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment.
SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs, they can have an effect on anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They can also enhance the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to increase in certain people, and those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications.
In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques can help reduce the cortisol hormone which creates anxiety. Diet and exercise can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may suggest that you consume whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it more info can worsen anxiety for some ADHD children and adults.
Non-stimulant based medications
While stimulants are very effective in treating ADHD and have been extensively researched but they are not always the best choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medications may cause negative side effects such as jitteriness rapid heart rate, and nervousness that may be similar to or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Non-stimulant drugs are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine is a drug that targets receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been proven to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO to find out if atomoxetine improved anxiety in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to patients suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve mood and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often a good idea to try and treat the underlying causes of anxiety prior to treating the ADHD because that will usually help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
In certain cases, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are generally the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments target the root cause of the problem and reduce ADHD symptoms, which will in turn, decrease anxiety.
Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to aid in relieving anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is right for you will be determined by your doctor. Before recommending a medication they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, as well as other health issues. It is essential to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule when taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options may be beneficial to manage ADHD or anxiety, based on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping and nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
People who are anxious are more likely to suffer from symptoms of ADHD according to Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at once. He usually prescribes stimulants first to treat ADHD, and then turns to non-stimulant drugs like bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.