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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Stimulants can cause anxiety-related symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also help reduce anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such a propranolol and atenolol, may be prescribed by a doctor. They may be prescribed as a first-line treatment as an add-on to other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous systems. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help those with limited attention spans concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also treat anxiety. They can trigger negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. It is important to discuss this with your physician prior to beginning medication.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine, which are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other drugs in this category include amphetamines methylphenidate, as well as pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis in 2015 concluded that the use of ADHD medication did not increase anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorders. This finding was based on numerous studies that used well-validated scales and prospective methods. The studies were open-label and did not compare results with a control group. Therefore, the results should be viewed with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants cause a variety of side effects that may be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some common ones include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in blood pressure or heart rate that can be dangerous for those with a prior history of heart problems. They can also reduce appetite, which could lead to weight loss. Stimulant medications can also delay growth in certain children and adolescents. The effect is usually mild and does not alter the height of a person.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are usually prescribed when stimulants don't help or cause intolerable adverse effects. These medications do not function as fast as stimulants, but they can still be very effective. They operate more slowly, prolonging the brain receptors that regulate emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a popular non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it has a low risk of abuse or addiction. It has a warning that it may trigger suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, certain mental health professionals may prescribe them to patients who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety and also help with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Common antidepressants that are often used to treat both anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that works 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, behavioral therapy can also be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. adhd medications for adults -behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on teaching techniques that can be utilized to combat anxiety that is causing the problem and improve functioning. It assists people to recognize and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that contribute towards anxiety.
