Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can improve focus and attention. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause the tics of your brain and can increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can reduce anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore are prone to abuse and addiction. However, some adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. They do tend to cause initial insomnia, which may be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms once the medication has worn off or due to a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication only once a day, instead of three or four times, and by establishing regular sleep routines.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects like an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to gradually decrease in the dosage.
People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine may help with ADHD-related anxiety and depression. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to work but they can decrease impulsivity and increase concentration. They do not affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teach skills that can aid in reducing anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety, and in those cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the read more child to concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety if necessary. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to determine the cause and the correct treatment the first time.