Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same medications that treat ADHD can also be used to treat anxiety. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine or antidepressants can also aid.
In some instances, stimulant medications can cause anxiety to worsen. If this is the case your doctor could prescribe a different medication or switch medications altogether.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the treatment of choice for those with ADHD who also have anxiety. They are believed to aid both ADHD and anxiety because they increase the brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to improve concentration and reduces impulsivity. It also supports motivation and memory.
Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate or amphetamines are effective in preventing the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps keep them at higher levels in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior which makes it easier to control anger and other emotions that can make anxiety worse.
However, stimulants can also have an an unexpected side effect: they sometimes increase symptoms of anxiety. They can also cause sleep issues, which means you or your child could be having trouble getting enough sleep. In addition, they could reduce appetite, which can cause problems with eating enough food for healthy growth. Many people also experience tics which are sudden movements or sounds, such as eye blinks and throat clearing. Although these side effects are common, they can be reduced or eliminated using some simple strategies.
It's important to recognize that each person responds differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. It might take some trial and error with different medications, dosages and schedules to find a combination that works for you or your child.
When developing an appropriate treatment plan, your healthcare provider will take into account your specific health issues and your lifestyle. They'll likely recommend a treatment to reduce anxiety and track your response to medications to determine which treatment options are the best for you.
Some ADHD medications can interact with medications for treating anxiety. Adderall for instance, can exacerbate anxiety in children who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants may affect the way that the brain processes information regarding potential threats from both the external and internal environment.
However this doesn't mean ADHD and anxiety can't be treated in tandem. It's possible that treating ADHD symptoms can also help reduce anxiety. This is because they could reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety-inducing situations children with ADHD have to deal with.
Psychostimulants have been shown to be effective for improving both ADHD and anxiety in several studies. They're generally more effective than traditional antianxiety medications for both disorders. medication for inattentive adhd that the reduction in anxiety that psychostimulants provide is directly related to the improvement of ADHD symptoms, not a direct interaction with the drug.