Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can increase focus and concentration. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors will typically try to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They can alleviate anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They can cause initial insomnia, which may result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication wears off or to a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or four times a week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Possible side effects of stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia, particularly if they are consumed in large doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these situations, it is important to take a gradual reduction in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be get more info helpful with depression and anxiety related to ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work, but can help reduce the impulsivity of children and improve attention. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as much as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like help teach skills to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is crucial to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. A doctor might prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety if necessary. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it may hinder the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.