7 Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your ADHD And Anxiety Medication

ADHD and Anxiety Medication

Stimulants can cause anxiety-related symptoms in many people with ADHD. Non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine, (Qelbree), can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.

Antidepressants may also reduce anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol can be prescribed by a doctor. They can be prescribed either as a first-line treatment or to supplement other medication.

Stimulants

Stimulants are medications that boost the activity of the central nervous systems. They are prescribed to patients with ADHD in order to aid in their focus and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. The use of stimulants can result in negative side effects, which makes them less effective in treating anxiety. Before beginning  non prescription adhd medication , it's crucial to speak with your doctor about this concern.

These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category are amphetamines, methylphenidate, as well as pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other substances like bath salts, cocaine (synthetic cathinones) and ecstasy (MDMA).

A 2015 meta-analysis found that taking ADHD medications did not increase anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based upon several studies that utilized validated scales and prospective methodology. These studies were open-label, and did not compare results to the control group. Therefore, the findings should be taken with caution until more research is conducted with controlled and randomized studies.

In general, stimulants cause many adverse side effects that may be uncomfortable 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 that can be dangerous for those with a history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which may result in weight loss. The stimulant drugs can also slow growth in some children and adolescents. The effect isn't severe and doesn't affect the final height.

Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants fail to aid or cause undesirable adverse effects. These medications do not work as quickly as stimulants however they can be very efficient. They work more slowly, prolonging brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug widely used for ADHD, has a low addiction or abuse risk. However, there is a warning on its label that says it can cause suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.

Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however some mental health professionals prescribe them for patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. They also aid with ADHD-related symptoms such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD.

Other medications that are used "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 called norepinephrine.

Behavioral therapy is a good option for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety in addition to medications. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is primarily focused on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve functioning. It helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that cause anxiety.