Medications for ADHD & Anxiety

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, often occurs in combination with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Treatment of the ADHD may actually help with anxiety disorders and is usually done by the administering of medication.
Still, it may be necessary to augment ADHD treatment with other forms of medication in order to alleviate the anxiety. There are various options available for both ADHD and anxiety disorders that are worth exploring and discussing with your doctor.

Stimulants

• The most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD are stimulants. According to the National Institute of Health's NIDA website, these medications work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter--or brain chemical--called dopamine. It is thought that those suffering from ADHD have a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Although it seems a bit strange for stimulants to be used to treat symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity, they have been proven beneficial in lowering hyperactivity, increasing focus and sharpening attention.

ADHD Medication Identification

• ADHD medications of the stimulant class have names most Americans are probably familiar with already. These medications include Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Concerta (time-released methylphenidate) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine, an extended release formulation of dextroamphetamine). In some cases of severe ADHD, there is even a medication called Desoxyn, which is a tablet preparation of methamphetamine. However, this medication is rarely prescribed, as it has significant cardiovascular risks and a high potential for abuse.

Antidepressants for Anxiety

• Although developed to treat depression, reports NIMH, antidepressants can also be useful in treating anxiety disorders. Currently, the most commonly-prescribed antidepressents are of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes. The inhibiting of reuptake of these neurotransmitters is thought to be responsible for anxiety relief when these medications are used. They generally take 1 to 4 weeks to reach maximum efficacy. Examples of these medications are Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine).

Benzodiazepine Anti-Anxiety Medications

• Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications and may often be prescribed in conjunction with ADHD medications. These medications, which include well-known family members such as Xanax (alprazolam), Valium (diazepam) and Klonipin (clonazepam), are highly effective short-term drugs for combating anxiety. Unlike antidepressants, these medications work very quickly, usually within 20 to 60 minutes, and have no negative interactions with ADHD medications listed by the FDA. Although benzodiazepines are very effective for anxiety and panic attacks, most doctors recommend taking them only on an as-needed basis for a very short period of time, since they are known to be highly addictive and produce withdrawal symptoms upon sudden dose discontinuation.

Warning

• It is important to discuss the benefits and the risks of medications for both ADHD and anxiety disorders with your doctor. Both stimulant drugs and benzodiazepines carry high risks for abuse and dependence. Many antidepressants have FDA product warnings acknowledging increased thoughts of suicide as a potential side effect. Stimulants and benzodiazepines also have a high risk for overdose. People with heart conditions should talk to their doctor before starting on a stimulant medication for ADHD. When taking an anti-anxiety medication--especially a benzodiazepine--alcohol should be avoided, since it increases the risk of overdose.
  If overdose on stimulants or benzodiazepines is suspected, call the emergency services immediately.