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ADHD and Anxiety Medication
The effects of stimulants can be exacerbated by anxiety for many people suffering from ADHD. But non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help relieve anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants, such as citalopram and escitalopram can help to reduce anxiety. Beta-blockers, such as propranolol or atenolol, can be prescribed by doctors. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment or as an add-on to other medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that boost the activity of the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for ADHD to help people who have a limited attention span concentrate and manage their behavior. They can also be used to treat anxiety. They can trigger side effects which make them less effective in treating anxiety. Before starting any medication, it is crucial to speak with your doctor about this issue.
Medications that are considered stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexydrine, which are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other drugs in this category include amphetamines, methylphenidate, and pseudoephedrine. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine, cocaine, bath salts and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
click this link now -analysis conducted in 2015 showed that taking ADHD medications did not worsen anxiety symptoms in children who suffer from ADHD and anxiety disorders. This finding was based on several studies that used validated scales and prospective methods. It is important to remember that these studies were based on open-label studies, however, and did not compare the results with the placebo group. Therefore these results should be viewed cautiously until further research is conducted with controlled, randomized studies.
The stimulants can have a variety of negative side effects, some which may be hazardous or unpleasant. Some of the most frequent side effects include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate which could be harmful for those with a history of heart problems. They can also reduce appetite, which could lead to weight loss. Children and adolescents may also experience a delay in growth when they are taking stimulant drugs. This effect is not severe and does not impact the final height.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications are prescribed when stimulants do not assist or cause unacceptable adverse side negative effects. These medications do not work like stimulants do however they can be very effective. They work more slowly, and prolong the brain receptors that regulate emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication widely used for ADHD has a low addiction or abuse risk. It comes with a warning that it can cause suicidal symptoms in a tiny percentage of people.
Antidepressants have not been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, some mental health professionals prescribe them to patients with ADHD and anxiety. These medications act on the neurotransmitter neurpinephrine to decrease anxiety, and they can also aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that works on the vagus nervous system and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
Behavioral therapy is a good option for those suffering from ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is focused on teaching techniques to combat anxiety and improve functioning. It helps people recognize and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that contribute towards anxiety.
