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ADHD and Anxiety Medication Anxiety disorders are frequently co-occurring with ADHD. Anxiety can cause restlessness anxiety, and insomnia. The use of stimulants can ease these symptoms however, they may also cause side effects such as tics and minor growth reduction in children and adolescents. Some people also notice that their anxiety increases when taking stimulant drugs. Stimulants Stimulants are drugs that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. They are also popular among recreational drug users as stimulants and performance-enhancing substances because of their ability to increase energy, alertness and focus. They are available in capsules, tablets, chunky clear crystals or a white or brown powder. Massive doses of stimulants may cause over-stimulation and result in anxiety and stomach cramps, panic attacks or paranoia. Long-term use of stimulants may also lead to addiction and serious side effects like heart problems as well as high blood pressure and stroke. The drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD have also proven track record of alleviating symptoms of anxiety. They work by increasing brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These are lower in ADHD patients. This improves the activity and communication between the various parts of the brain which control executive and attention functions. This results in increased impulse control and anxiety symptoms are reduced. Both atomoxetine (as as methylphenidate) reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both treatments showed improvement in anxiety symptoms beginning as early as the 4th week of treatment. The benefit continued for 8 weeks. It is important to keep in mind that the kind of medication most effective for treating anxiety and ADHD co-occurring symptoms might depend on which disorder has the greatest impact on a person's quality of life. For example, an individual might experience a lot of worry-inducing mini-crises on a regular basis while they rush to schedule appointments or to keep on top of their school or work. These are stressful and can cause anxiety more frequently than symptoms of a panic attack or fear. In these cases it may be beneficial to treat the anxiety-related symptoms using antidepressants or SSRIs that have been proven effective in decreasing anxiety levels in adults. They are usually taken orally and may take a bit longer to take effect, but the most commonly used options are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine and duloxetine. These can be taken alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and are particularly useful if the patient experiences high blood pressure. SSRIs Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (antidepressant medications) are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders. The drug that is the most popular in this class is fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. The SSRIs are also effective in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. These drugs are a bit more flexible than previous versions of antidepressants. Additionally, they have fewer and less serious adverse effects. The SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin from synapses. This causes the neurotransmitter in the synapse to stay active and signal the post synaptic cells more than is the case with other neurotransmitters. This can increase norepinephrine output, which can reduce anxiety symptoms. It may also lead to an increase in the levels of neuronal cyclicAMP (cAMP) which stimulates protein synthesis. Additionally, SSRIs can reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity. They also can improve sleep quality and reduce agitation in some people with ADHD. However, these medications can increase the risk of suicidal ideas and behavior in certain individuals. They can also trigger an increase in appetite and weight gain, especially when they first begin. Another type of antidepressant called SNRIs, works differently than SSRIs. SNRIs stop the reuptake both serotonin and norepinephrine. Similar to SSRIs they may affect anxiety, but they can also improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the blood vessels, which could reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. They can also improve the mood of some adults with bipolar disorder. Duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine, (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and desvenlafaxine are the most commonly used SNRIs. The SNRIs can raise blood pressure in some people, so they are not recommended for those suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease. In addition to medications and other treatments, there are a myriad of behavioral treatments that could help with anxiety and ADHD. Mindfulness techniques can be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety as can yoga and meditation. Some people have found tapping certain points on the body, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, helps reduce the cortisol hormone which is responsible for anxiety. Exercise and diet can reduce anxiety. Your doctor may recommend that you consume whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and avoid sugar, as it can worsen anxiety for certain ADHD children and adults. Non-stimulant-based medications Although stimulants are highly effective in treating ADHD, and have been extensively researched, they may not be the best option for those who suffer from anxiety and ADHD. These medications can cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic or worsen symptoms of anxiety. Since 2002, non-stimulant medicines are being used to treat ADHD (under the brand name Strattera). They do not increase blood pressure or heart rate, and are less likely than stimulant drugs to cause anxiety-related side effects such as shaking, sweating or nervousness. Atomoxetine targets receptors for the brain chemical norepinephrine and can help improve attention and reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity. It has also been found to improve anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Researchers gathered clinical articles from PubMed EMBASE PsycINFO and PsycINFO in order to determine whether atomoxetine improved anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents with ADHD. Another medication that can be effective in relieving anxiety is bupropion, which targets the brain chemical dopamine. Bupropion is often prescribed to those suffering from ADHD and depression. It can also improve moods and help reduce anxiety symptoms. It is often best to treat the anxiety first before tackling ADHD. This will usually reduce the anxiety symptoms. In some instances, anxiety symptoms in ADHD children can be the source of their anxiety. Psychostimulants and cognitive-behavioral treatments are usually the most effective treatment options for anxiety in this situation. This is because these treatments will target the root of the issue and decrease ADHD symptoms which, consequently, decrease the anxiety. Antidepressants are also frequently prescribed for those with co-existing ADHD and anxiety. SSRI antidepressants, which target the brain chemical serotonin can aid in reducing anxiety symptoms and improve mood. Examples include Zoloft, Lexapro and Sertraline. In the end, the decision on which medication is best for you will be determined by your physician. They will consider your lifestyle, symptoms and age as well as other health conditions before making a recommendation for any medication. It is essential to discuss your treatment goals with your doctor and stick to a daily schedule while taking any medication. I Am Psychiatry Based on your specific health goals, there are a variety of treatment options that may also help you manage ADHD and anxiety. These include mindfulness meditation yoga, tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques), sleep nutrition, exercise, and healthy eating habits. People who are anxious are more likely to develop symptoms of ADHD Dr. Hallowell says, which can make it difficult to treat both disorders at the same time. He typically prescribes stimulants first to address ADHD and then shifts to non-stimulant medications such as bupropion, atomoxetine or guanfacine, for anxiety disorders. These medications work 24 hours a day and are not controlled substances, like stimulants.