Do You Know How To Explain ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
Do You Know How To Explain ADHD Anxiety Medication To Your Boss
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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause irritation, restlessness and sleeplessness.
The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms However, they can cause adverse effects, such as small growth reductions and tics in children and adolescents. In addition, some people have anxiety issues while taking stimulant medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. They are available in the form of capsules, tablets or chunky crystals. They are also available as a white or brown dust. The use of large doses of stimulants can cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety, stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may lead to addiction, serious adverse effects such as heart problems stroke, high pressure and heart problems.
These medicines have also been shown to relieve anxiety symptoms. They improve the supply of brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which tend to be lower in those with ADHD. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain that control attention and executive functions. This results in improved impulse control and anxiety symptoms diminishing.
Research has shown that both atomoxetine and the methylphenidate reduce anxiety symptoms in people with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. Anxiety symptom improvement was seen as early as the fourth week of treatment for both medications and the benefits were continued for 8 weeks of treatment.
It is important to remember that the kind of medication that is most effective in treating anxiety and ADHD symptoms co-occurring may depend on which condition is more detrimental to the quality of life of an individual. For instance, someone might experience a lot of anxious mini-crises on a daily basis as they rush around to schedule appointments or to keep track of their school or work. These can be stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than signs of panic attacks or fear.
In these cases antidepressants or SSRIs are the best option to combat anxiety-related symptoms. These medications have been proven to be effective at decreasing anxiety levels in adults. These are usually taken orally and can take a bit longer to effect the desired effects, however the most popular options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. They can be used as a supplement to cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety and are particularly beneficial if a patient has a racing heart or elevated blood pressure.
SSRIs
SSRIs which are antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. The prototype drug in this category is fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic disorder. They are more adaptable and have less adverse negative effects than the older generation of antidepressants.
The SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter to remain active in the synapse, and to signal the post-synaptic cell more times than would otherwise occur. This can increase norepinephrine output which reduces anxiety symptoms. It could also result in an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which can stimulate protein synthesis.
SSRIs can also reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and decrease agitation for some people with ADHD. However, these drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in certain individuals. They can also increase appetite and weight gain when they first begin.
SNRIs are a different type of antidepressant than SSRIs. SNRIs block the reuptake both of serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels, which could decrease anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some individuals suffering from bipolar disorder.
The most commonly used SNRIs are duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). SNRIs may cause blood pressure to increase in some people, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease should not take them.
In addition to medications in addition, there are a variety of behavioral therapies that can aid in reducing anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in lowering stress and anxiety and stress, as can yoga and meditation. Some people find that tapping certain body points, or Emotional Freedom techniques, helps lower cortisol, the hormone that causes anxiety. Exercise and diet can help reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoid sugar, which can worsen anxiety in certain ADHD adults and children.
Non-stimulant-based medicines
While stimulants are very effective at treating ADHD and have been extensively studied but they are not always the best choice for people who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. Stimulant medication can cause negative side effects, such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mirror or worsen symptoms of anxiety.
Non-stimulant medications are a more recent option that has been used to treat ADHD since 2002 (under more info the brand name Strattera). They don't increase blood pressure or heart rate, and they are less likely to cause anxiety-related adverse effects like shaking, sweating or nervousness.
Atomoxetine targets receptors for norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain. It can aid in improving attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. Studies have also proven that it can effectively improve anxiety symptoms in adolescents and children with ADHD. Researchers collected clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO to determine if atomoxetine decreased anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Bupropion is a different medication that can ease anxiety symptoms. It targets the brain chemical, dopamine. Bupropion is often advised for people who suffer from co-occurring depression and ADHD. It can also improve mood and decrease symptoms of anxiety. It is often a good idea to try and treat the underlying anxiety-related issue before treating the ADHD because it will typically make anxiety symptoms disappear.
It is common for kids with ADHD to have problems with anxiety, and in some instances, the anxiety is caused by their ADHD symptoms. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective methods to treat anxiety in this type of situation. These treatments will reduce ADHD symptoms and anxiety by addressing the root cause of the problem.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to those who have ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants that target Serotonin, a chemical in the brain, can alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline.
The final decision of which medication is best for you will be decided by your doctor. Before recommending a drug, they will consider your lifestyle, symptoms, age, along with other health issues. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor about your goals for treatment and to adhere to a regular schedule while taking any medication.
Other options
Other treatment options could be beneficial for managing ADHD or anxiety, depending on your health goals. These include mindfulness meditation, yoga (Emotional Freedom techniques) tapping sleep nutrition, exercise and healthy eating habits.
Dr. Hallowell says that people who suffer from anxiety are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to treat both conditions simultaneously. He prescribes stimulants to treat ADHD first, and then non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine or bupropion for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, as stimulants are.