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 help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol. They may be prescribed as a first-line treatment, or as an addition to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of medications that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients who suffer from ADHD to help them focus and manage their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. However, stimulants may cause side effects which make them less effective in anxiety treatment. Before beginning any medication, it is important to talk with your doctor about this issue.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category are amphetamines, pseudoephedrine, and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine bath salts, cocaine and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A 2015 meta-analysis found that taking ADHD medications did not cause an increase in anxiety symptoms in children suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on a number of studies that used well-validated scales and prospective methodology. These studies were open-label, and did not compare results to the control group. Therefore the findings should be taken with caution until more research is conducted with controlled and randomized studies.
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 increased heart rate or blood pressure that could be risky for people with an history of heart problems. They can also reduce appetite, which can cause weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a delay in growth when they are taking stimulant drugs. The effect is usually mild and does not alter the height of a person.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are often prescribed when stimulants do not provide relief or cause undesirable side effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants but can still be very helpful. They are more gradual in their action and prolong the function of brain receptors that are involved in the regulation of behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine is a widely used non-stimulant medication for ADHD and is not at risk of abuse or addiction. It comes with a warning that it could trigger suicidal symptoms in a tiny percentage of people.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however certain mental health professionals prescribe them to patients with ADHD and anxiety. They work by affecting the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in order to reduce anxiety, and they can also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Common antidepressants used to treat both anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Clonidine is a medication that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are two other medications that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medication, behavioral therapy can also be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve functioning. adhd uk medication assists people to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that can cause anxiety.