Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can be effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medication doctors usually try to treat ADHD. These drugs act quickly to enhance focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. adhd adults medication are controlled substances, and consequently have a high risk of dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to take them with ease. They do cause insomnia at first which could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication is taken off or due to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the drug only once per day, rather than three or four times, and also by developing regular sleep routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia, particularly if they are consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some individuals and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these instances it is crucial that you gradually reduce the dose.
People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD and depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to act but they can decrease the tendency to be impulsive and increase the amount of attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in 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 proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. To get the best results, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor might prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. It is essential to determine the cause and the treatment right the first time.