ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and their symptoms can get worse when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, like citalopram and escitalopram can reduce anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment or as an addition to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD to aid them in focusing and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. However, stimulants can cause adverse effects that can make them less effective in anxiety treatment. It is important to discuss this issue with your physician prior to beginning treatment.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Amphetamines also fall into this category, along with pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine bath salts, cocaine, and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
medication for inattentive adhd -analysis found that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon numerous studies that used validated scales and prospective methodology. The studies were open-label and did not compare results with the control group. Therefore, the results should be considered with caution until further research has been conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
The stimulants can have a variety of negative side effects, some which may be hazardous or unpleasant. Some of the most commonly reported adverse effects are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in blood pressure or heart rate that could be risky for people with an underlying history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which could lead to weight loss. The stimulant drugs can also slow growth in some children and adolescents. This is typically a mild effect and does not affect the height of a person.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants do not help or cause unacceptable adverse consequences. These drugs aren't 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 regulating behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine is a widely used non-stimulant medication for ADHD and has a low risk of addiction or abuse. However, there is an informational label that states it could cause suicidal ideas in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants for treating ADHD. However, some mental health professionals may prescribe these medications to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They also aid with symptoms of ADHD, like impulsivity and hyperactivity. Common antidepressants that are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Other medications that are employed "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine, which acts on the vagus nerve, and guanfacine. Both act on a specific brain chemical known as norepinephrine.
In addition to medication as well, behavioral therapy may be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve functioning. It also assists people in learning to recognize and alter harmful thinking patterns that cause anxiety.