This Is The Myths And Facts Behind ADHD And Anxiety Medication
ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and their symptoms may worsen when they take stimulants. But non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can help to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol, may be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed either as a first-line treatment or as a complement to other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help those with limited attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. However, stimulants can sometimes result in side effects that can make them less effective for anxiety treatment. Before you begin any medication, it is crucial to speak with your physician about this issue.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines also fall into this category, along with methylphenidate and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine and other substances like bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not cause an increase in anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon several studies that used validated scales and methodologies as well as prospective ones. These studies were open-label, and did not compare results to a control group. Therefore, the results should be considered with caution until further research is conducted with controlled, randomized studies.
In general, stimulants can cause a variety of side effects that may be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some of the most frequent adverse effects are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants may cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate which can be risky for people with a previous history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which may lead to weight loss. Some adolescents and children may also experience a delay in growth when they are taking stimulant drugs. The effect isn't severe and does not affect the final height.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are usually prescribed when stimulants do not help or cause intolerable side effects. These medications don't work like stimulants do however they can be extremely effective. They are more gradual in their action, prolonging the activity of brain receptors involved in regulating the way we behave and our emotions. Atomoxetine is a well-known non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low chance of addiction or abuse. However, there is a warning on its label that says it can cause suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
Antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, certain mental health professionals prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. They work by affecting the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety and also help with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are frequently used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
non prescription adhd medication , a drug that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
The use of behavioral therapy can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety in addition to medications. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve functioning. It assists people to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that cause anxiety.