Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors typically use to treat ADHD. These drugs act quickly to enhance focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore are prone to addiction and abuse. However, some adults find that they can take them without issue. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wearing off or 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.
Potential side effects from stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can also occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these situations, it is important to take a gradual reduction in the dose.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to take effect, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) and clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like teach techniques to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In these cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to concentrate better in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety if necessary. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, website it may hinder the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.