Various methods can be implemented to help manage day-to-day tasks and tendencies. This includes medication, therapy, social skills training, lifestyle changes, and special accommodations. This article will explore which medications can cause these symptoms as well as alternative treatment methods that can be trialed. Additionally, general coping mechanisms will be discussed to further support and help your journey.
What Is ADHD?
While ADHD traits do vary from person to person, there are three major presentations with their own unique characteristics:
Which Medications Are Used to Help With ADHD?
Medication for ADHD comes in two groups, stimulants and non-stimulants. The type of medication suitable for a person will depend on their specific traits.
Stimulants
Stimulants are considered the first-line treatment for ADHD; thus, they are the most common type of medication to help with ADHD tendencies while they are active in the body. But how does this process happen? The chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine play a key role in regulating attention and executive function. These chemicals tend to be lower in those with ADHD, so stimulants work by increasing their availability in the brain. They do this by slowing down the rate of dopamine reabsorption in the neural network. Thus, the activity and communication of the parts of the brain that rely on these chemicals increase, and the symptoms of ADHD decrease.
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants are another treatment option for ADHD. This option is usually recommended to those who don’t experience any changes on stimulants, experience severe adverse side effects from stimulants, and/or those with health conditions that make stimulants an inappropriate option. It is also important to note that there may be instances where a doctor may prescribe both.
Adderall (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Does ADHD Medication Cause Anxiety?
Stimulant medications generally do not worsen anxiety symptoms; however, ADHD and anxiety often co-exist, and they can also exacerbate the effects of each other. For instance, around 50% of adults with ADHD also have a comorbid generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) diagnosis. Additionally, some stimulant-based ADHD medications can make anxiety symptoms worse initially, such as Adderall or Ritalin. However, these symptoms usually tend to subside after some time. “Some symptoms — like fidgeting and trouble concentrating — are hallmarks of both ADHD and anxiety. As a result, clinicians must rule out anxiety and other mental disorders when diagnosing ADHD, and vice versa," says Damaris Chukwura, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Heading Health.
Other Side Effects of ADHD Medication
While ADHD medication is very effective at helping people manage their symptoms, as with all medication, there is the potential for side effects. It is important to note that not everyone who takes the medication will experience the same side effects to the same severity. Additionally, many of these adverse effects can subside with time. Stimulant-based medication to treat ADHD can cause the following:
Weight loss Decreased appetite Insomnia Headaches Mood changes Nausea Tics Rebound effects
To minimize the side effects of ADHD medication, medical practitioners can implement a range of techniques. This includes starting off with a low dose and titrating the medication to find your body’s ideal balance. In some instances switching your medication may be recommended. This can happen in two ways — switching from an amphetamine-based ADHD medication to a methylphenidate-based one or a long-acting agent to a short-acting agent (and visa-versa). There is also the option of taking “medication holidays.” Additionally, it is common for your doctor to recommend regular check-ups initially. This is so they can monitor your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and general well-being.
Can You Take ADHD Medication With Anxiety Medication?
As mentioned above, individuals with ADHD are more likely to have an anxiety disorder than individuals without the condition. “Some symptoms — like fidgeting and trouble concentrating — are hallmarks of both ADHD and anxiety,” says Chukwura. Therefore, it is vital to have your clinician rule out anxiety and other mental disorders when diagnosing ADHD. Additionally, for some individuals, stimulant medication can be enough to reduce the impact of anxiety. For example, a 2016 study on children with ADHD found that both atomoxetine and methylphenidate-based medication reduced the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety.
How to Cope With ADHD and Anxiety
While there are many techniques your medical practitioner can implement to help with your ADHD, there is a range of other methods you can carry out yourself. Here are some tips you can try:
A Word From Verywell
ADHD and anxiety are difficult to live with separately, so if you have them both, it’s important to give yourself some grace. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with your medical practitioner, as they’ll be able to offer you more context-specific advice. Don’t forget that treatment takes time, and it may take a few different alternatives before you find one that works for you. Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve a great quality of life over time.
