ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also experience anxiety and their symptoms can get worse when they are taking stimulants. But non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help relieve both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also help reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers like propranolol and atenolol. They are prescribed as a first-line treatment or to supplement other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for ADHD to help people with limited attention spans focus and control their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. However, stimulants can sometimes cause adverse effects which make them less effective in anxiety treatment. types of adhd medication is essential to discuss this with your physician prior to beginning medication.
The medications that are categorized as stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine, which are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category include amphetamines methylphenidate, and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine, other drugs like bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not cause an increase in anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon numerous studies that used validated scales and prospective methodology. It is important to remember that these studies were based on open-label trials however, and did not compare the results to an uncontrolled group. Therefore the results should be viewed cautiously until further research is conducted with controlled randomized studies.
The stimulants can have a variety of adverse effects, some of which may be hazardous or unpleasant. Some common ones include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in blood pressure or heart rate which could be harmful for those with a history of heart problems. They can also reduce appetite, which could cause weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a growth delay when they are taking stimulant drugs. The effect is usually mild and does not affect the final height of a person.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants fail to assist or cause unacceptable adverse effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants however they can still be very helpful. They work slower, extending brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug extensively used to treat ADHD is a drug with an extremely low dependence or abuse risk. However, there is an indication on its label that it may cause suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
Antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety, and can also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Common antidepressants that are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Clonidine, a drug that works on 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 therapy (CBT) is focused on teaching skills that can be used to conquer anxiety-related issues and improve performance. It helps people recognize and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that can cause anxiety.