ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and their symptoms can worsen when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants may also reduce anxiety, especially selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers such as propranolol or atenolol. They may be prescribed as a first-line treatment, or as an addition to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD to help them focus and manage their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. However, stimulants can result in side effects that make them less effective for anxiety treatment. It is important to discuss this issue with your physician prior to starting treatment.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine, which are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also included in this category, as well as methylphenidate and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other drugs like cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 concluded that taking ADHD medication did not cause more anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon several studies that used validated scales and prospective methodology. It is important to keep in mind that these studies were based on open-label research, however, and did not compare the results with the placebo group. Therefore, the results should be taken with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants can have many side effects that could be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some common ones include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can result in an increase in heart rate or blood pressure which can be harmful for people who have a history of cardiovascular problems. They can also decrease appetite, which may result in weight loss. The stimulant drugs can also slow growth in some children and adolescents. This effect is not severe and does not affect the final height.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are usually prescribed when stimulants don't help or cause intolerable side effects. inattentive adhd medication aren't as effective as stimulants however they can still be very helpful. They are more gradual in their action, prolonging the activity of brain receptors involved in the regulation of behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication extensively used to treat ADHD, has very low abuse or addiction risk. It is a cautionary drug that it could trigger suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, some mental health professionals might prescribe these medications to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications act on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in order to reduce anxiety and aid in reducing ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine, a medication that affects 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 people with ADHD or anxiety, in addition to medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques that can be used to conquer underlying anxiety and improve functioning. It assists people to recognize and modify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute towards anxiety.