ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Many people with ADHD also have anxiety, and their symptoms can worsen when they take stimulants. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine, (Qelbree), can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such as propranolol and atenolol can be prescribed by a doctor. They may be prescribed as a first-line treatment as an add-on to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are typically prescribed for ADHD to help people with short attention spans focus and control their behavior. over the counter adhd medication can also be used to treat anxiety. The use of stimulants can result in side effects which make them less effective in treating anxiety. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment.
These are stimulants that include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine that are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Amphetamines are also in this category, as well as pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine, cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A 2015 meta-analysis concluded that taking ADHD medication did not increase anxiety in children suffering from ADHD or anxiety disorders. This conclusion was based on numerous studies that utilized validated scales and a prospective methodology. It is important to note that these studies were based on open-label trials however, and did not compare the results with a placebo group. These results should be taken with caution until more research has been conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
In general, stimulants have many negative side effects that can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Some of the most common are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants may cause an increase in heart rate or blood-pressure that can be dangerous for people with a previous history of heart disease. They can also reduce appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Stimulant medications can also delay growth in certain children and adolescents. This effect is not severe and doesn't alter the final height.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are typically prescribed when stimulants don't help or cause intolerable side effects. These medications do not work as quickly as stimulants however they can be extremely effective. They function slower, extending brain receptors involved in regulating emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug extensively used to treat ADHD, has very low abuse or addiction risk. However, how does medication for adhd work has an indication on its label that it may trigger suicidal thoughts in a small number of people.
Antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, certain mental health professionals prescribe them to patients with ADHD and anxiety. These medications affect the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to reduce anxiety, and can also help with ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most commonly used antidepressants used to treat both anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that acts on the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medications and behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve functioning. It assists people to recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that can cause anxiety.