Medication to Help ADHD with Anxiety

Medication to Help ADHD with Anxiety
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ADHD and Anxiety

If you are looking for medication to help ADHD with anxiety, you have several options. Medication that is commonly used to control impulsivity, attention problems, and hyperactivity can also be used to help treat those people who also have anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of anxiousness sometimes combined with depression as well. According to WebMD, having ADHD can also cause stress. This stress along with ADHD can cause feelings of anxiety as well. So, what help is available? The treatment is treating the ADHD first, which should alleviate the anxiety. Let’s look at some of the medication options, and how they actually work.

Medication for ADHD

There are several medications that treat ADHD, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyanese, and Concerta. These medications are all known as stimulants. Stimulants regulate impulsive behavior and improve focus and attention. These medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which help to transmit signals to the nerves of the brain. Stimulants that boost norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain affect memory function, addictive behaviors, arousal, and attentiveness. If the symptoms associated with ADHD are controlled, the person may feel less anxious due to a decrease in stress.

Medication for Anxiety

If these medications do not control the anxiety, as well as the ADHD, there are other mediations that can be used in combination with the stimulants. Antidepressants may be prescribed, such as Zoloft, Celexa, or Paxil. These medications work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. They are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and can increase your mood, while reducing anxiety levels.

Treating Both

If you are looking for a medication that may treat both ADHD and anxiety in one, then you do have some options. There is a fairly new medication called Buspirone that is being used to treat ADHD with anxiety. It comes under the brand names of Buspar and Vanspar. It is a transdermal system, so it is a patch and does not have to be taken by mouth. Its intentional use is for the treatment of anxiety, but it is starting to be used for the treatment of ADHD as well. Doctors are finding that it not only helps with anxiety, but also helps in the treatment of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention as well. According to Dr. Brian Brennan, as interviewed on abcnews.com, it is thought to work through its binding and activation of a certain type of serotonin receptor in the brain.

Now you know a little more about medication to help ADHD with anxiety. As always, you need to consult with your doctor to see which medication choice is right for you.

Resources

WebMD https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-and-stress?page=2

WebMD https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/adhd-stimulant-therapy

ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/Health/AnxietyTreating/story?id=4660154

Science Daily https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060626091749.htm