Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medication doctors usually try in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in some individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once per day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia, particularly when taken at high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people and can cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. Suggested Looking at are contraindicated for people suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these instances it is essential to gradually reduce the dose.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to act however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation, as they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example help teach skills to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. If children with ADHD have anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child concentrate better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. If necessary, a physician may suggest an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.