ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety, and their symptoms may worsen when they are taking stimulants. But non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate both anxiety and ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, such as citalopram and escitalopram can help reduce anxiety. Doctors may also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or atenolol. see here are prescribed as a first line treatment or to supplement other medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD to help them focus and manage their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. However, stimulants may result in side effects which make them less effective for anxiety treatment. It is important to discuss this with your physician prior to starting medication.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also included in this category, along with pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine as well as other substances like cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones) and ecstasy (MDMA).
A 2015 meta-analysis found that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on a number of studies that utilized validated scales and a prospective methodology. These studies were open-label, and did not compare results to an uncontrolled group. Therefore, the results should be viewed cautiously until further research is conducted using controlled, randomized studies.
Stimulants can trigger a variety of negative side effects, some which are hazardous or unpleasant. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can result in an increased blood pressure or heart rate which can be harmful for people who have an underlying history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which could result in weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a delay in growth when taking stimulant medication. This effect is usually mild and doesn't affect the height of an individual.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication is prescribed when stimulants do not help or cause unacceptable adverse consequences. These medications do not function like stimulants do, but they can still be very efficient. They act more gradually, prolonging the activity of brain receptors involved in regulating behaviour and emotions. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medicine widely used for ADHD has an extremely low dependence or abuse risk. However, it has a warning on its label that says it can cause suicidal thoughts in a small percentage of people.
The FDA has not approved antidepressants to treat ADHD. However, certain mental health professionals may prescribe them to patients suffering from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety and also help with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are commonly used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Other medications that can be used "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine, which works on the vagus nerve, and guanfacine, which acts on a specific brain chemical known as norepinephrine.
Behavioral therapy is a good option for people with ADHD or anxiety, in addition to medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve functioning. It assists people to recognize and modify unhelpful thinking patterns that can cause anxiety.