ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Stimulants can cause anxiety-related symptoms in a lot of people with ADHD. But non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants may also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such as propranolol or atenolol, can be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed either as a first line treatment or to complement other medicines.
non stimulant adhd medication are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for ADHD to help people with short attention spans focus and control their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. The use of stimulants can result in negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. Before you begin any medication, it's crucial to speak with your doctor about this issue.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine All of which are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, as are methylphenidate and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A 2015 meta-analysis found that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon several studies that used validated scales and prospective methodologies. These studies were open-label and did not compare results with the control group. Therefore, the results should be taken with caution until more research is conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants cause a variety of side effects that may be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure which could be harmful for those with a prior history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss. The stimulant drugs can also slow growth in certain children and adolescents. This effect is usually mild and does not affect the height of a person.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants do not assist or cause unacceptable side effects. These medications do not work as quickly as stimulants but they can be extremely efficient. They work more slowly, and prolong the brain receptors that regulate emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication widely used for ADHD, has very low abuse or addiction risk. It is a cautionary drug that it may trigger suicidal symptoms in a tiny proportion of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, certain mental health professionals might prescribe them to patients who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications act on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety, and can also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and hyperactivity and impulsivity. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
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 medications and behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve functioning. It helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that can cause anxiety.