ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety for many people suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
adhd otc medication may also reduce anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or atenolol. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment as an add-on to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help people with limited attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. However, adhd otc medication may result in side effects which make them less effective for anxiety treatment. Before you begin any medication, it is crucial to speak with your doctor about this concern.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, along with methylphenidate and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine and other substances like cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones) and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on a variety of studies that used validated scales and prospective methodologies. These studies were open-label and did not compare results to an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the results should be viewed cautiously until more research is conducted using controlled and randomized studies.
Stimulants can trigger a variety of adverse effects, some of which may be hazardous or unpleasant. Some of the most common adverse effects are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increased heart rate or blood pressure that can be dangerous in people who have a history of cardiovascular problems. They can also decrease appetite, which may result in weight loss. Children and adolescents may also experience a growth delay when they are taking stimulant drugs. The effect isn't severe and doesn't impact the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants don't aid or cause undesirable adverse side negative effects. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants but can be extremely beneficial. They work more slowly by extending the activities of brain receptors that are involved in the regulation of the way we behave and our emotions. Atomoxetine is a popular non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it is not at risk of addiction or abuse. It comes with a warning that it could trigger suicidal feelings in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants for treating ADHD. However, some mental health professionals may prescribe them to patients who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications act on the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety and also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Other medications that are used "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine which acts on the vagus nerve and guanfacine, which works on a specific brain chemical called norepinephrine.
Behavioral therapy is a good option for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching skills that can be used to overcome underlying anxiety and improve functioning. It also assists people in learning to recognize and change unhelpful habits of thinking that contribute to anxiety.