Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same medications that treat ADHD can 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 often the medication of choice for those with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety. These drugs are believed to help both ADHD and anxiety since they increase the brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to improve concentration and decreases impulsivity. It also aids in memory and motivation.
Stimulant drugs like amphetamines or methylphenidate block the reuptake of norepinephrine, keeping dopamine and norepinephrine at higher levels in your brain. This improves concentration and reduces impulse-driven behavior which makes it easier to control anger and other feelings that can cause anxiety.
However, stimulants can cause an an unexpected side effect that can trigger symptoms of anxiety. They can also cause sleep problems, so you or your child might have trouble getting enough restful sleep. They can also decrease appetite, which can interfere in eating enough to sustain healthy growth. Certain people experience tics as well that are sudden sounds or movements like blinking eyes and clearing of the throat. adhd without medication , while common, can be reduced or eliminated with a few simple techniques.
It is important to keep in mind that every person reacts differently to stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medication. It could take some trial and error with different dosages, schedules and medications to find the right combination that works for you or your child.
Your doctor will take into account your particular conditions and lifestyle when determining the treatment plan. non stimulant adhd medication may suggest an approach to lessen anxiety and monitor your response to medication to determine the best treatment options for you.
Certain ADHD medications may interact with medications for treating anxiety. For instance, Adderall can make anxiety more severe in children with the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants could alter the way that the brain processes information regarding potential threats from both the external and internal environment.
This doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety cannot be treated in tandem. It's also possible that reducing ADHD symptoms could decrease anxiety, too, as they could reduce the number of stressful situations and conflicts that children with untreated ADHD face.
Psychostimulants have proven to be effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, according to numerous studies. They tend to be more effective in treating both disorders than traditional antianxiety medication. It's possible that the improvement of anxiety associated with psychostimulants is a result of the improved ADHD symptoms, rather than the medication itself.