Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
Medications that treat ADHD often work well for anxiety, too. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine increase levels of certain brain neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine or antidepressants can also aid.
In some cases stimulant medications can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. If this is the case, then your doctor might prescribe a different medication or switch medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the treatment of choice for those with ADHD who also have anxiety. These medications are thought to aid in the treatment of ADHD and anxiety by enhancing the brain's natural production of dopamine. a neurotransmitter that promotes concentration, reduces impulsivity and supports memory and motivation.
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamines work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which helps keep them at higher levels in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases impulsive behaviors, making it easier to manage anger and other feelings which can make anxiety worse.
However, stimulants can also have an unexpected side effects that can trigger symptoms of anxiety. They can also trigger sleep issues, which means you or your child may have trouble getting enough restful sleep. They can also decrease appetite, which can hinder in eating enough food to ensure healthy growth. Certain people also experience tics, which are sudden movements or sound such as eye blinking and throat clearing. While these effects are common, they can be reduced or eliminated by some simple strategies.
It is important to keep in mind that each person responds differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. It could require some trial and error with different medications, dosages and schedules to find the right combination that works for you or your child.
Your healthcare provider will consider your particular conditions and lifestyle when determining a treatment plan. They'll likely recommend a therapy to reduce anxiety and track your response to medications to determine which treatment options are best for you.
Some ADHD medications can interact with medications used to treat anxiety. Adderall for instance can increase anxiety in children with both ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants can alter the way that the brain processes information regarding possible threats from the internal and external environment.
However, this doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety aren't treated together. adhd no medication 's also possible that treating ADHD symptoms could decrease anxiety, too, as they could reduce the number of anxiety-provoking situations and conflicts that children with untreated ADHD face.
Psychostimulants are generally effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, as per numerous studies. They're usually more effective than traditional antianxiety medications for both disorders. It's possible that the improvement of anxiety associated with psychostimulants is a result of the improved ADHD symptoms rather than the medication itself.
