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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders can be co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness, sleep disturbance and irritability. The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms, but they can also cause side effects such as the development of tics and minor reduction in growth in adolescents and children. Some people also find that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs. Stimulants Stimulants are a class of drugs 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 the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They can also be found in brown or white dust. Large doses of stimulants can create over-stimulation and cause anxiety panic attacks, stomach cramps or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke. These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine that are generally lower in people with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication of parts of the brain that regulate attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control, and anxiety symptoms are reduced. Both atomoxetine (as well as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medications have shown improvement in anxiety symptoms as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefits lasted for 8 weeks. It is important to note that the kind of medication that is most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms that co-occur could depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on the quality of life of an individual. An individual may experience many small-scale crises that cause anxiety in a regular manner as they try to meet appointments or complete assignments at school or at work. These can be very distressing and cause people to be anxious on a more frequently basis than the symptoms of a specific anxiety disorder or panic attack would. In these situations, it might be best to treat the anxiety-related symptoms with antidepressants or SSRIs which have been shown to be effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to work, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Sertraline and Fluoxetine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These drugs can be utilized together with cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety. They are especially effective if a patient has high or racing heart rate. SSRIs Antidepressants, like SSRIs (antidepressant drugs), are often used to treat anxiety disorders. Prozac is the drug that was developed as the prototype of this group, is fluoxetine. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These medications are more adaptable and have less side negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants. The SSRIs hinder the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter remain active in the synapse and signal the post-synaptic cell more times than it would otherwise. This can increase the production of norepinephrine, which may reduce anxiety. This may also increase levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) and stimulate protein synthesis. They also decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. They can also improve sleep quality and reduce the agitation of some people with ADHD. These drugs can, however, increase the risk of suicidal behaviour and thoughts in some people. They may also cause an increase in appetite and weight gain, particularly when they are first started. SNRIs are a different kind of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake serotonin as well as norepinephrine. Like SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce anxiety and stress. Some adults who suffer from bipolar disorder may benefit from their use. Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Venlafaxine, Duloxetine (Cymbalta), (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most popular SNRIs. SNRIs could cause blood pressure to rise in certain people, and those who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease should avoid taking them. In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral therapies that can help with anxiety and ADHD. Meditation and mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and anxiety. adhd medication uk find tapping on specific body points or Emotional Freedom techniques can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can also reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend you eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from sugar, since it can cause anxiety in some ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant based medications Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively studied but they are not the best option for those who suffer from anxiety or ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as jitteriness and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can mimic or worsen anxiety symptoms. Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines have been used for ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase heart rate or blood pressure and are less likely to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating, or nervousness. Atomoxetine works by targeting receptors for norepinephrine, a brain chemical that improves concentration and decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity. It has also been shown to improve anxiety symptoms among adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD. Another medication that is effective in helping with anxiety symptoms is bupropion which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is usually recommended for people with co-existing depression and ADHD. It can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. It is usually best to treat anxiety first before treating ADHD. This will usually make the anxiety symptoms disappear. It is quite common for children with ADHD to experience issues with anxiety, and in a few instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral treatment and psychostimulants are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this situation. These treatments can help reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root causes of the problem. Antidepressants are also often prescribed to those suffering from co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, that target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. Ultimately, the decision of the right medication for you will be decided by your doctor. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions prior to suggesting any medication. It is essential to discuss your goals for treatment with your physician and adhere to a routine daily while taking any medication. Other options Other treatment options may be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation and yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping and sleeping nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits. People who are anxious are more likely to experience symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it challenging to treat both disorders at once. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medication like bupropion or atomoxetine for anxiety disorders. These medications are available 24/7 and are not controlled substances, similar to stimulants.