Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety are different conditions, but they come as a package deal; people have both conditions at the same time. For example, about half of adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. If you’re one of them, the proper treatment can improve your ADHD symptoms and ease your anxious feelings as well.
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What Happens When You Have ADHD and Anxiety?
When you have anxiety and ADHD, some of your ADHD symptoms may worsen, such as feeling like you can’t sit still or having trouble concentrating. But anxiety disorder also comes with its own set of symptoms, like:
- Constantly worrying about many different things
- Feeling on edge
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
Anxiety disorder is more than just having anxious feelings from time to time, and you might not be able to function in everyday social situations. It’s a mental illness that can affect your relationships, work, and quality of life.
Stimulants Are The Most Common Type of Medicine Used To Treat Anxiety
Believe it or not, they work by producing more of certain chemicals in the brain, making the brain’s pathways work more effectively and efficiently. It is reported that stimulants lessen ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of people who take them. Some examples of stimuli used in treating ADHD and anxiety are:
- Amphetamine (Evekeo)
- Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR, Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin, Quillivant)
These drugs lessen ADHD symptoms in about 70% of adults and 70% to 80% of children. They tend to cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting, and fidgeting. They can also help a person finish tasks and improve relationships.
What Is Ritalin (Methylphenidate)?
Methylphenidate hydrochloride—the generic for Ritalin, is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to manage symptoms of narcolepsy. It’s a prescription medication that targets dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to reduce the most common ADHD symptoms. Though Methylphenidate is a stimulant, when used in ADHD treatment, it may help with concentration, fidgeting, attention, and listening skills.
Can Ritalin Help With Anxiety?
As long as the medication is taken correctly, people have a better attention span and better behavior. Even though there is some debate about whether social skills or performance at school gets better, many people benefit from them. Ritalin, just like all drugs, differs from person to person.
Though Ritalin is a stimulant, when used in ADHD treatment, it may help with concentration, fidgeting, attention, and listening skills. I know It’s hard to imagine a stimulant could help one concentrate. So exactly how is this possible?
How Does Ritalin Work in The Brain To Help With Anxiety?
It works because Ritalin influences both dopamine and norepinephrine activity in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span, and Norepinephrine is a stimulant. Ritalin increases the action of these neurotransmitters by blocking their reabsorption into your brain’s neurons. It balances everything so you are running evenly and you are clear-minded and in control.
Ritalin, like other central nervous system stimulants, may be habit-forming. If you take a large dose, the quick rise in dopamine can produce a temporary feeling of euphoria. However, if you stop taking it abruptly, you may experience withdrawal.
Professional and Confidential Help at Allure Detox
At Allure Detox, we can help you or a loved one who has formed an addiction to Ritalin. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Treatment is The First Step To Ritalin Recovery
We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery. We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever.
Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Please contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.