Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, fear or worry. Someone who experiences prolonged feelings of anxiety that interferes with daily activities may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Hyperactivity, the inability to sit still and pay attention for periods of time, occurs as one part of another neurophysical condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Anxiety and hyperactivity occur when chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters become unbalanced. Various types of medications that affect the levels of chemicals in the brain can help alleviate anxiety and hyperactivity.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Doctors commonly prescribe a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to treat depression. SSRIs are also the drugs of choice to treat anxiety disorders in children and adults, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. The class of SSRIs include the drugs fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and citalopram. These medications inhibit the re-absorption of serotonin in the brain and increase the amount available to the nerve cells. The additional serotonin enhances the ability of the nerves to send signals that improve mood and decrease feelings of anxiety. Although not the first choice for treating hyperactivity, doctors prescribe antidepressants such as SSRIs when other medications fail to improve symptoms.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication, increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine, a catecholamine hormone, functions as a hormone and neurotransmitter. Because norephinephrine helps to regulate attentiveness, emotions, alertness and learning, increasing the levels in the brain can help to decrease hyperactivity and increase the ability to pay attention. In addition, doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that atomoxetine can help reduce anxiety.
High Blood Pressure Medications
Some medications usually used to treat high blood pressure may also be effective in treating anxiety and hyperactivity. Severe anxiety can produce physical symptoms such as sweating, increased heart rate and an increased breathing rate. Beta blockers, a class of medications that include propanolol, block epinephrine from binding to cells and allow the heart to beat slower, and with less force while blood vessels dilate to improve blood flow. Beta blockers keep the physical symptoms of anxiety under control, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health.
Those who suffer from hyperactivity can also benefit from some types of high blood pressure medications. Clonidine stimulates specific receptors in the brain, which causes a decrease in calcium levels. A reduction in calcium can inhibit the release of norepinephrine, which helps relieve the insomnia and aggression that often accompanies hyperactivity.
