Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same drugs that treat ADHD can be used to treat anxiety. The stimulants methylphenidate, amphetamine increase levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain. Antidepressants and nonstimulants like atomoxetine could also be helpful.
In some instances, stimulant medications may worsen anxiety symptoms. If adhd and anxiety medication is the case, your doctor may recommend a different medication or switch medications.
Stimulants
People with ADHD and anxiety are frequently prescribed stimulants. These drugs are believed to aid in the treatment of ADHD and anxiety by increasing the brain's natural production of dopamine. which is a neurotransmitter that helps in concentration, decreases impulsivity and supports memory and motivation.
The stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamines block the reuptake of norepinephrine, keeping dopamine and norepinephrine at high levels in your brain. This improves focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior which makes it easier for you to manage anger and other feelings that can cause anxiety.
However, stimulants can also have an an unexpected side effect: they sometimes increase symptoms of anxiety. They can also cause sleep problems, meaning that you or your child may be having trouble getting enough sleep. Additionally, they may cause a decrease in appetite, which can cause problems with eating enough food for healthy growth. Some people experience the tics that are sudden sounds or movements like the blinking of eyes and clearing of the throat. These side effects, although common, can be reduced or eliminated using some simple methods.
It is important to keep in mind that every person reacts differently to stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medication. It might take a bit of trial and error to find the best combination of medications, dosages, and schedules for your children or yourself.
Your healthcare provider will consider your individual symptoms and lifestyle when developing an appropriate treatment plan. They'll likely recommend a treatment to manage anxiety and observe your response to medication to determine which treatment options are most suitable for you.
Some ADHD medications can interact with medications used to treat anxiety. For example, Adderall can make anxiety worse for children who have co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants can alter the way the brain processes information regarding possible threats from the external and internal environment.
However this doesn't mean ADHD and anxiety aren't treated in tandem. It's also possible that treating ADHD symptoms can help reduce anxiety as they could reduce the number of anxiety-inducing situations and conflicts that children suffering from untreated ADHD have to deal with.
Psychostimulants are generally effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, as per numerous studies. They are generally more efficient than traditional antianxiety drugs for both disorders. It's possible that the reduction of anxiety using psychostimulants was due to the improvement in ADHD symptoms rather than the substance itself.
