Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
Treatments for ADHD are often effective for anxiety, too. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. medication for adhd and nonstimulants like atomoxetine may also help.
In certain instances, stimulant medications can worsen anxiety symptoms. If that's the case, your doctor may prescribe another medication or switch to a different one altogether.
Stimulants
People with ADHD and anxiety are often prescribed stimulants. They are believed to aid in the treatment of ADHD and anxiety by enhancing the brain's natural production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps in concentration, decreases impulsivity and supports memory and motivation.
Stimulant drugs like amphetamines or methylphenidate block the reuptake norepinephrine, which keeps dopamine and norepinephrine at high levels in your brain. This improves focus and decreases the tendency to be impulsive, making it easier to manage anger and other emotions that can cause anxiety to become worse.
Stimulants can also have unintended effects which is that they sometimes cause anxiety-related symptoms to increase. Your child or you may be having trouble getting enough sleep. In addition, they could cause a decrease in appetite, which can interfere with eating enough for healthy growth. Some people also experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. While these effects are common, they can be reduced or eliminated with a few simple strategies.
It is important to keep in mind that each person responds differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. It may take a little trial and error to discover the right combination of medications, dosages, and schedules for you or your children.
Your doctor will take into account your individual issues and lifestyle when creating the treatment plan. They will likely recommend treatments to ease anxiety and will monitor your response to medications to determine the most effective treatment options for you.
The medications used to treat anxiety may interact with some ADHD medications. Adderall for instance, can exacerbate anxiety in children with both ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants can alter the way the brain processes information regarding possible threats from both the external and internal environment.
However, this doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety can't be treated in tandem. It's also possible that improving ADHD symptoms can help reduce anxiety as they could reduce the number of anxiety-provoking situations and conflicts that children who are not treated for ADHD confront.
Psychostimulants are generally effective for treating both ADHD and anxiety, according to a number studies. They're generally more efficient than traditional antianxiety drugs for both disorders. It's also possible that the improvement in anxiety seen with psychostimulants is a direct result of the improvement of ADHD symptoms, rather than a direct interaction with the drug.