ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also experience anxiety and their symptoms can get worse when they are taking stimulants. However, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help relieve anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, such as citalopram and escitalopram can help to reduce anxiety. Doctors can also prescribe beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment or as an addition to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help people with limited attention spans focus and control 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 you begin any medication, it is important to talk with your doctor about this issue.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Other medications that fall under this category include amphetamines methylphenidate, as well as pseudoephedrine. adhd anxiety medication are methamphetamine, cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis from 2015 concluded that the use of ADHD medication did not increase anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on several studies that utilized 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 against an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the results should be considered with caution until more research is conducted with controlled, randomized studies.
In general, stimulants can have many negative side effects that can be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some of the most frequent side effects include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can cause an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure which can be risky for those with a history of heart problems. They can also decrease appetite, which could cause weight loss. Stimulant medications can also delay growth in certain children and adolescents. This effect is usually mild and doesn't affect the final height of a person.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are often prescribed when stimulants don't provide relief or cause undesirable side effects. These medications do not work like stimulants do however they can be extremely efficient. They function more slowly, and prolong brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a popular non-stimulant medication for ADHD, and it is not at risk of abuse or addiction. It is a cautionary drug that it could trigger suicidal thoughts in a small percentage 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 they can also help with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants that are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that affects the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are two other medications that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
Behavioral therapy is a good option for people with ADHD or anxiety, in addition to medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is primarily focused on teaching techniques to help overcome anxiety and improve performance. It also helps people learn to recognize and modify harmful thinking patterns that contribute to the anxiety.