ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also experience anxiety and their symptoms can get worse when they are taking stimulants. Non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera), and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such as propranolol or atenolol, can be prescribed by doctors. They are prescribed as a first line treatment or as a complement to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that increase activity in the central nervous system. They are prescribed to patients who suffer from ADHD in order to aid them in focusing and control their behaviour. They also treat anxiety. However, stimulants can sometimes cause adverse effects which make them less effective in anxiety treatment. Before beginning any medication, it is important to talk with your doctor about this issue.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that are FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, along with methylphenidate and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants include methamphetamine and other drugs such as cocaine, bath salts (synthetic cathinones), and ecstasy (MDMA).
A meta-analysis from 2015 found that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children with ADHD and anxiety disorders. This finding was based on numerous studies that used well-validated scales and prospective methodology. It is important to remember that these studies were based on open-label research however, they did not compare the results with a placebo group. Therefore, the results should be taken with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, random trials.
In general, stimulants cause many adverse side effects that may be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. adhd without medication 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 prior history of heart problems. They also can reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss. Some children and adolescents can also experience a delay in growth when they are taking stimulant drugs. The effect isn't severe and does not alter the final height.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are often prescribed when stimulants do not provide relief or cause undesirable side effects. These medications are not as effective as stimulants but can still be very helpful. They act more gradually by extending the activities of brain receptors that are involved in the regulation of behaviour and emotions. Atomoxetine is a well-known non-stimulant medication for ADHD and has a low chance of addiction or abuse. It comes with a warning that it may trigger 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 who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety. These medications reduce anxiety by affecting the neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. They can also help with ADHD-related symptoms such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Antidepressants like fluoxetine and paroxetine are often used to treat anxiety and ADHD.
Clonidine, a drug that acts on the vagus nervous system and guanfacine are the other medications that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medications as well, behavioral therapy may be helpful for people with ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve functioning. It helps people identify and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that can cause anxiety.