Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same medications used to treat ADHD can be used to treat anxiety. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine boost levels of certain brain neurotransmitters. Antidepressants and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine can also aid.
In medication for inattentive adhd , stimulant medications can worsen anxiety symptoms. If that's the case, your doctor could prescribe a different medication or switch medications altogether.
Stimulants
People suffering from ADHD and anxiety are typically prescribed stimulants. These medications are believed to help with both ADHD and anxiety as they boost the brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which promotes concentration and decreases impulsivity. It also aids in memory and motivation.
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamines are effective in preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, thereby keeping them at higher levels in the brain. This improves focus and decreases impulsive behavior making it easier to control anger and other emotions that can make anxiety worse.
However, stimulants can have an unexpected side effect: they sometimes increase anxiety symptoms. They can also trigger sleep problems, so you or your child might struggle to get enough restful sleep. They can also decrease appetite, which can hinder in eating enough to maintain healthy growth. Certain people also experience tics which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinks and throat clearing. These side effects, while common, can be reduced or eliminated with certain techniques.
It's important to remember that every person reacts differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. It may require some trial and error with different dosages, medications and schedules to find the right combination that works for you or your child.
Your doctor will take into consideration your individual conditions and lifestyle when determining the treatment plan. They will likely recommend treatments to ease anxiety and will monitor your response with medications to determine the most effective options for you.
Certain ADHD medications can interact with medications used to treat anxiety. Adderall, for example can cause anxiety in children who have both ADHD and anxiety. This is because psychostimulants can alter the way that the brain process information about possible threats in the external and internal environment and it's possible they may hinder this normal process.
This doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety cannot be treated in conjunction. It's possible that treating ADHD symptoms can also help reduce anxiety. This is because they can reduce the number and intensity of anxiety-provoking situations that children with ADHD face.
Psychostimulants have proven to be effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, according to a number studies. They are generally more effective than traditional antianxiety medications for both disorders. It's possible that the decrease in anxiety that psychostimulants provide is directly related to the improvement of ADHD symptoms, not a direct interaction with the drug.