Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medications doctors will typically try to treat ADHD. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. They can reduce anxiety in some people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and are prone to addiction and abuse. adhd and depression medication can tolerate them quite well. They do cause insomnia at first that could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms when the medication wears off or due to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the drug only every day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these instances it is crucial to gradually reduction in the dosage.
People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work, but can help reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance help teach skills to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to be more focused in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is crucial to regularly attend therapy sessions to get the most benefit. If needed doctors may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. It is essential to get the diagnosis right and the treatment right the first time.