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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can lead to irritation, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Stimulant medications can ease symptoms, but they can cause side effects such as tics or minor growth reductions in adolescents and children. In addition, some individuals experience anxiety-related issues when taking stimulant medications. Stimulants Stimulants are drugs that are 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 create over-stimulation and cause anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants can also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems, high blood pressure and stroke. The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD also have a proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They help by increasing the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which tend to be lower in people with ADHD. This increases activity and communication between parts of the brain that regulate the executive and attention functions. This results in an improvement in impulse control, and anxiety symptoms decrease. Studies have demonstrated that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms from the very first week of treatment. The effect was evident for eight weeks. It is important to note that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which of the conditions has more impact on the quality of life of a person. For adult add medication , a person might be prone to frequent anxiety-inducing episodes on a regular basis when they have to schedule appointments or to keep track of their work or school. These are stressful and trigger anxiety more often than the symptoms of panic attacks or fear. In these instances the antidepressants, or SSRIs are the best choice to treat anxiety-related symptoms. These drugs have been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in adults. They are taken orally and may take a while to begin working. The most common options are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs), such as Sertraline, Fluoxetine and serotonin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitions (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, and duloxetine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences a racing heart or elevated blood pressure. SSRIs Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant medications), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this group is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also able to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. These drugs are more versatile and have less adverse effects than older generations of antidepressants. The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter within the synapse to remain active and communicate with the post synaptic cells more than would be the case in other circumstances. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. It may also lead to higher levels of the neuronal cyclic AMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein production. Additionally, SSRIs can decrease impulsiveness and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation in people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They may also increase appetite and weight gain at the beginning of treatment. SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant compared to SSRIs. SNRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may influence anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which may reduce anxiety and stress. Certain people with bipolar disorder also benefit from their use. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most common SNRIs. The SNRIs can increase blood pressure in certain individuals and are not recommended for anyone with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness-based techniques can be beneficial in lowering stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping on specific points on their body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, can help reduce the cortisol hormone that is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can aid in reducing anxiety. Your doctor can suggest eating whole vegetables, fruits and grains and avoiding sugar, which can increase anxiety in certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant based medications Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied however they are not the best choice for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. The stimulant medications can trigger adverse effects like jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under the brand name Strattera). They don't increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely than stimulant medications to cause anxiety-related adverse reactions such as shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that can improve attention and reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also demonstrated that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical papers from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Bupropion is another drug that can help with anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is frequently recommended for those suffering from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also boost mood and lessen anxiety symptoms. It is often best to address the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms. In some cases anxiety symptoms in ADHD children may be the cause of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral therapy are generally the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. These treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the issue. Antidepressants are also often prescribed to people with coexisting ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, the chemical in the brain that is thought to alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft Lexapro, and Sertraline. The final decision of the right medication for you will be made by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before recommending any medication. It is important to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication. Other options Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques), tapping, sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. Dr. Hallowell says that people with anxiety are more prone to develop symptoms of ADHD, which makes it difficult to treat both conditions at the same time. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications like bupropion or atomoxetine to treat anxiety disorders. These medications work 24/7 and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.