medication for adhd and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also experience anxiety and their symptoms can get worse when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants like citalopram and escitalopram can help to reduce anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment as an add-on to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients with ADHD in order to aid them in focusing and control their behaviour. They can also be used to combat anxiety. However, stimulants can cause side effects which make them less effective in anxiety treatment. Before starting any medication, it's essential to consult your doctor about this concern.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine, which are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category include amphetamines methylphenidate, as well as pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other drugs such as cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 concluded that taking ADHD medication did not worsen anxiety in children suffering from ADHD or anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon numerous studies that used validated scales and prospective methodology. These studies were open-label and did not compare results with the control group. Therefore, More methods should be taken with caution until further research is conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
In general, stimulants cause many adverse side effects that could be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. Some of the most frequent side effects include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants may cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate which can be risky for those with a history of heart disease. They also can reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss. Some adolescents and children may also experience a delay in growth when taking stimulant medications. The effect isn't severe and does not affect the final height.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are typically prescribed when stimulants don't aid or cause unacceptable side effects. These medications do not work like stimulants do but they can be extremely effective. They are more gradual in their action by extending the activities of brain receptors that are involved in regulating the way we behave and our emotions. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication extensively used to treat ADHD, has an extremely low dependence or abuse risk. However, there is a warning on its label that says it can trigger suicidal thoughts in a small number of people.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients with ADHD and anxiety. They reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They also aid those suffering from ADHD-related issues like impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine and paroxetine are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine, a drug that affects the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medication, behavioral therapy can also be helpful for people with ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve performance. It assists people to recognize and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that can cause anxiety.