ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety for many people suffering from ADHD. But treating adhd without medication -stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help relieve anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can help to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol can be prescribed by a doctor. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment as an addition to other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients who suffer from ADHD in order to help them focus and manage their behavior. They can also treat anxiety. Stimulants can cause negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. It is crucial to discuss this issue with your physician prior to starting treatment.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine All of which are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications that fall under this category are amphetamines, pseudoephedrine, and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A 2015 meta-analysis found that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on several studies using validated scales and prospective methods. The studies were open-label and did not compare results with an uncontrolled group. These results should be considered with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
In general, stimulants can cause a variety of side effects that could be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in blood pressure or heart rate which could be harmful for those with a prior history of heart disease. They can also decrease appetite, which could cause weight loss. Stimulant medications can also delay growth in certain children and adolescents. This effect is mild and does not affect the final height.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are usually prescribed when stimulants fail to aid or cause unacceptable side effects. These medications do not work as quickly as stimulants however they can be very efficient. They operate slower, extending brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a widely used non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low chance of abuse or addiction. However, it comes with an informational label that states it could trigger suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. They reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. They can also assist with ADHD-related symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine is a medication that acts on the vagus nervous system and guanfacine are the other medications that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
Behavioral therapy is a good option for people with ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve performance. It helps people recognize and modify unhelpful thinking patterns that cause anxiety.