ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety for many people suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants may also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such a propranolol and atenolol, may be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed as a first-line treatment, or as an addition to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that increases activity in the central nervous systems. They are commonly prescribed for ADHD to help those with limited attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. Stimulants can cause negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. It is important to discuss this issue with your physician prior to starting treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, along with methylphenidate and pseudoephedrine. concerta adhd medication include methamphetamine as well as other drugs like 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 disorders. This conclusion was based upon numerous studies that used well-validated scales and a prospective methodology. The studies were open-label and did not compare results to an uncontrolled group. Therefore these results should be considered with caution until further research is conducted using controlled, randomized studies.
In general, stimulants can cause a variety of side effects that may be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure which could be harmful for people with a previous history of cardiovascular issues. They can also reduce appetite, which could cause weight loss. Children and adolescents may also experience a growth delay when they are taking stimulant drugs. This is typically a mild effect and does not alter the height of an individual.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants fail to assist or cause unacceptable adverse side consequences. These medications do not function like stimulants do but they can be very effective. They act more gradually and prolong the function of brain receptors involved in regulating the way we behave and our emotions. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medicine extensively used to treat ADHD has an extremely low dependence or abuse risk. However, it has a warning on its label that says it can cause suicidal ideas in a small proportion of people.
Antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however some mental health professionals prescribe them to patients who have both ADHD and anxiety. They work by affecting the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety, and can also help with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine is a medication that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medications as well, behavioral therapy may be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve performance. It helps people recognize and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that cause anxiety.