ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety, and their symptoms may worsen when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree), can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also help reduce anxiety, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol can also be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed either as a first-line treatment or to complement other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increases activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to those with ADHD in order to aid them in focusing and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. They can trigger adverse effects that make them less effective in treating anxiety. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor before starting medication.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD. Other medications in this category include amphetamines methylphenidate, and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine bath salts, cocaine, and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon numerous studies that used validated scales and prospective methods. It is important to keep in mind that these studies were based on open-label trials however, they did not compare the results against a placebo group. Therefore, the results should be considered with caution until more research is conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
In general, stimulants can have many negative side effects that can be uncomfortable or dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can result in an increased blood pressure or heart rate that could be risky for people with a history of cardiovascular problems. add adhd medications can also decrease appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Some adolescents and children may also experience a slowing of growth when taking stimulant medications. This effect is usually mild and does not affect the height of a person.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants don't aid or cause undesirable adverse effects. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants, but can be extremely beneficial. They function slower, extending brain receptors involved in regulating emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug widely used for ADHD has a low addiction or abuse risk. It is a cautionary drug that it could trigger suicidal symptoms in a tiny percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, certain mental health professionals might prescribe these medications to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. They reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. They also aid with ADHD-related symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine is a medication that works 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 skills that can be used to conquer anxiety-related issues and improve performance. It also helps people learn to recognize and alter harmful thinking patterns that cause the anxiety.