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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are often co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, irritability and trouble sleeping. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but it may cause adverse effects, like tics or slight growth decreases in children and adolescents. adhd without medication notice that their anxiety levels increase when they are taking stimulant medication. Stimulants Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 are available in tablets, capsules crystals that are chunky and clear, or a white or brown powder. Large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term stimulant use can cause addiction and severe adverse effects, such as heart issues high pressure, stroke and heart attacks. These medications are also proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This increases the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in improved control of impulses and anxiety symptoms diminishing. Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine as well as methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and other anxiety disorders. Improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed from the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were maintained for 8 weeks of treatment. It is important to note that the type of medication most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has a larger impact on the quality of life of a person. A person may experience a variety of small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner when they have to rush to make appointments or keep up with assignments at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently than the symptoms of a specific anxiety or panic attack. In these instances it may be beneficial to address the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and may take a little longer to effect the desired effects, however the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine and duloxetine. These are often taken as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are especially beneficial if a patient has an elevated heart rate or blood pressure. SSRIs SSRIs which are antidepressants are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, better known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants. The SSRIs block serotonin's reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which can reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP), stimulating the synthesis of proteins. Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. They also can improve the quality of sleep and reduce agitation for some people suffering from ADHD. However, these drugs may increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behaviors in some individuals. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin. The SNRIs are a distinct type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They also have an impact on anxiety. They can improve the functioning of both the blood vessels and the heart muscle. This can help reduce feelings such as anxiety and stress. They can also boost the mood of people suffering from bipolar disorder. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking these medications. There are many behavioral treatments for anxiety and ADHD that can be used alongside medication. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Some people find tapping on certain body points or techniques for emotional freedom, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating a diet that is based on whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoid sugar, which can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications Although stimulants are extremely effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Since 2002, non-stimulant medications are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to suffer anxiety-related side effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been proven to alleviate anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Another drug that can be effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion, which is a drug that targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is typically prescribed to people who have ADHD and depression. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is often recommended to investigate and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD, as it can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. It is quite common for children with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in a few cases the anxiety is actually caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are typically the most effective treatments for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue. Antidepressants may also be prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target serotonin, a brain chemical can ease anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Ultimately, the decision of which medication is best for you will be made by your physician. They will take a look at your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions prior to recommending any medication. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication. Other options Based on your individual health goals, there are other treatment options that can be helpful for managing ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) sleep, nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. People with anxiety are more likely to experience symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Dr. Hallowell says, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These work around the clock and are not controlled substances as stimulants.