ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Stimulants can exacerbate anxiety symptoms for many people suffering from ADHD. However, non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also help reduce anxiety, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Doctors may also prescribe beta blockers like propranolol or atenolol. They are often prescribed as a first-line treatment, or as an addition to other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for ADHD to help those who have a limited attention span concentrate and manage their behavior. They also treat anxiety. However, stimulants can cause adverse effects which make them less effective for anxiety treatment. Before beginning any medication, it is essential to consult your doctor about this issue.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been FDA-approved to treat ADHD. Other medications in this category are amphetamines, pseudoephedrine, and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine, bath salts, cocaine and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis from 2015 concluded that the use of ADHD medication did not cause more anxiety in children suffering from ADHD or anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based on numerous studies that used well-validated scales and a prospective methodology. It is important to keep in mind that these studies were based on open-label studies however, and did not compare the results with an uncontrolled group. Therefore these findings should be taken with caution until more research is conducted using controlled, randomized studies.
In general, stimulants can have many side effects that could be uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. Some of the most common are:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can result in an increase in heart rate or blood pressure which can be harmful for people who have an history of heart problems. They also can reduce appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Children and adolescents may also experience a growth delay when they are taking stimulant drugs. This effect is usually mild and does not affect the height of a person.
buy adhd medication online -stimulant drugs for ADHD are typically prescribed when stimulants don't help or cause intolerable side effects. These drugs aren't as effective as stimulants however they are still very beneficial. They operate more slowly, and prolong the brain receptors that regulate emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a well-known non-stimulant medication for ADHD and has a low risk of abuse or addiction. However, it comes with an informational label that says it can cause suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
Antidepressants are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but certain mental health professionals prescribe them for patients with ADHD and anxiety. They can reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. They can also help with symptoms of ADHD, like impulsivity and hyperactivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
Clonidine, a medication that affects the vagus nervous system, and guanfacine are the other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD or anxiety "off-label".
In addition to medications and behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy can be helpful for people with ADHD and anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) focuses primarily on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve functioning. It helps people identify and alter unhelpful patterns of thinking that can cause anxiety.