ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety in many people with ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine (Qelbree) can alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can help reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, like propranolol or atenolol, can be prescribed by doctors. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment, or as an add-on to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They are prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD to help them focus and control their behaviour. They can also be used to combat anxiety. They can trigger negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. Before beginning any medication, it's essential to consult your doctor about this issue.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine All of which are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, as well as pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine and other drugs such as bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not cause an increase in anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on a variety of studies using validated scales and methodologies as well as prospective ones. The studies were open-label and did not compare results to an uncontrolled group. The results should therefore be viewed with caution until further research has been conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
The stimulants can have a variety of adverse effects, some of which can be hazardous or unpleasant. Some common ones include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Occasionally, stimulants can cause an increase in heart rate or blood pressure that could be risky for those with an underlying history of heart disease. They can also decrease appetite, which could cause weight loss. These medications can also slow growth in certain children and adolescents. This is typically a mild effect and does not affect the final height of a person.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are typically prescribed when stimulants fail to aid or cause unacceptable adverse effects. These medications are not as effective as stimulants however they can be extremely beneficial. They act more gradually and prolong the function of brain receptors that are involved in the regulation of behaviour and emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication widely used for ADHD is a drug with a low addiction or abuse risk. It comes with a warning that it may trigger suicidal feelings in a small percentage of people.
Antidepressants are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety, and they can also help with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and hyperactivity and impulsivity. Antidepressants such as paroxetine and fluoxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine, a drug that acts on the vagus nervous system and guanfacine, are two 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 as well as those taking medication. my response -behavioral therapy (CBT) concentrates on teaching skills that can be utilized to combat underlying anxiety and improve functioning. It helps people recognize and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that can cause anxiety.