ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety, and their symptoms can worsen when they are taking stimulants. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine, (Qelbree), can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol. They are prescribed as a first-line treatment or to supplement other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are commonly prescribed for ADHD to help people with limited attention spans focus and control their behavior. They can also help treat anxiety. However, stimulants may cause adverse effects that can make them less effective in anxiety treatment. Before beginning any medication, it is essential to consult your doctor about this concern.
The medications that are categorized as stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine All of which are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other drugs in this category include amphetamines, methylphenidate, as well as pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine bath salts, cocaine, and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A 2015 meta-analysis concluded that taking ADHD medication did not worsen anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon several studies using validated scales and prospective methods. It is important to note that these studies were based on open-label studies however, they did not compare the results to a placebo group. These results should be considered with caution until further research has been conducted using controlled, random trials.
Stimulants can trigger a variety of side effects, some of which are unpleasant or dangerous. A few of them are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants may cause an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure which can be risky for those with a prior history of cardiovascular issues. They can also reduce appetite, which could cause weight loss. These medications can also slow growth in certain children and adolescents. This effect is mild and does not alter the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants do not assist or cause unacceptable side consequences. adhd medication and pregnancy aren't as effective as stimulants, but can still be very helpful. They act more gradually and prolong the function of brain receptors that are involved in regulating behavior and emotions. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug widely used for ADHD is a drug with very low abuse or addiction risk. It comes with a warning that it could trigger suicidal symptoms in a tiny percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, adhd medication and pregnancy might prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They can also help with symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Other medications that are utilized "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine which acts on the vagus nerve, and guanfacine, which works on a specific chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine.
In addition to medication as well, behavioral therapy may be helpful for people with ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve performance. It helps people identify and modify unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute towards anxiety.