Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same drugs that treat ADHD can be used to treat anxiety. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. Antidepressants and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine can also aid.
In certain instances, stimulant medication may 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 frequently prescribed stimulants. These drugs are believed to help both ADHD and anxiety because they increase the brain's production of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which promotes concentration and reduces impulsivity. It also helps with memory and motivation.
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and amphetamines block the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine, thereby keeping them at higher levels in the brain. This improves concentration and decreases impulse-driven behavior and makes it easier for you to manage anger and other emotions that can cause anxiety.
However, stimulants can have unexpected side effects that can trigger symptoms of anxiety. Your child or you may also have difficulty getting enough sleep. In addition, they could cause a decrease in appetite, which can interfere with eating enough for healthy growth. Many sufferers also experience tics, which are sudden movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. These side effects, although common, can be reduced or eliminated with certain techniques.
adhd medication adults uk is important to keep in mind that every person reacts differently to stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medication. It may take a little trial and error to determine the appropriate combination of medication dosages, schedules, and dosages for your child or yourself.
Your doctor will take into account your individual conditions and lifestyle when determining an appropriate treatment plan. They may recommend an approach to lessen anxiety and will monitor your response to medication to determine the best options for you.
Some ADHD medications may interact with medications for treating anxiety. For example, Adderall can make anxiety worse for children who have co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. Psychostimulants could alter the way that the brain processes information regarding potential threats from the internal and external environment.
However this doesn't mean ADHD and anxiety aren't treated together. It's also possible that improving ADHD symptoms can help reduce anxiety, too, as they might reduce the number of stressful situations and conflicts that children suffering from untreated ADHD confront.
Psychostimulants are generally effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, according to a number studies. They're generally more effective than traditional antianxiety medications for both disorders. It's also possible that the improvement in anxiety seen with psychostimulants is directly related to improving ADHD symptoms, and not an interaction directly with the drug.