Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can increase focus and attention. They work by keeping activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause the tics of your brain and can increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medication doctors typically use when treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to enhance focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances, and carry the risk of dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. They do tend to induce insomnia in the beginning which could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms once the medication is taken off or changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be lowered by taking the medication once a day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular routines for sleeping.
Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in sound or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are consumed in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for people with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these instances, it is important to gradually decrease the dose.
People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. adhd for adults medication as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications for ADHD however, medical research does not support this use.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase focus. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation since they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teach skills that can aid in reducing anxiety, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety when needed. This could be a tricyclic, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.