ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Stimulants can cause anxiety-related symptoms in many people with ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, (Strattera), and viloxazine, (Qelbree) can help alleviate anxiety as well as ADHD symptoms.
Antidepressants can also reduce anxiety, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro). Beta-blockers, such a propranolol and atenolol can also be prescribed by doctors. They can be prescribed either as a first line treatment or to complement other medicines.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a group of drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system. They are often prescribed for ADHD to help those with limited attention spans focus and control their behavior. They can also be used to combat anxiety. The use of stimulants can result in adverse effects that make them less effective in treating anxiety. It is important to discuss this issue with your doctor before starting medication.
Adderall, Ritalin and Dexydrine are stimulants that have been approved by the FDA for treating ADHD. Amphetamines also fall into this category, along with pseudoephedrine and methylphenidate. Illicit stimulants are methamphetamine, bath salts, cocaine, and MDMA (a synthetic cathinone).
A meta-analysis from 2015 concluded that taking ADHD medication did not cause more anxiety in children with ADHD or anxiety disorder. This conclusion was based upon several studies using validated scales and prospective methods. These studies were open-label, and did not compare results with the control group. These results should be considered with caution until more research is conducted using controlled, randomized trials.
In general, stimulants can have many side effects that could be uncomfortable or dangerous. Some common ones include:
Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, stimulants can trigger an increase in heart rate or blood pressure which can be harmful for those with a history of cardiovascular problems. They can also reduce appetite, which can result in weight loss. These medications can also slow growth in certain children and adolescents. This effect is mild and doesn't affect the final height.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are usually prescribed when stimulants don't help or cause intolerable side effects. These medications aren't as effective as stimulants, but can still be very helpful. They operate more slowly, prolonging brain receptors involved in controlling emotions and behavior. Atomoxetine is a widely used non-stimulant medication for ADHD and has a low risk of abuse or addiction. It is a cautionary drug that it could trigger suicidal thoughts in a small proportion of people.
Antidepressants are not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, certain mental health professionals prescribe them to patients who have both ADHD and anxiety. They can reduce anxiety by acting on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. They can also assist with symptoms of ADHD, such as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Common antidepressants used to treat anxiety and ADHD include paroxetine and fluoxetine.
natural adhd medication that are used "off-label" to treat ADHD and anxiety include clonidine which acts on the vagus nerve, and guanfacine, which works on a specific chemical in the brain known as norepinephrine.
Behavioral therapy is a good option for people with ADHD or anxiety as well as those taking medication. Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) is primarily focused on teaching skills to overcome anxiety and improve performance. It helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute towards anxiety.