Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medications doctors usually try when treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of abuse and addiction. However certain adults find that they can tolerate them well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by establishing an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in sound or vision. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are consumed in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in some individuals and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, read more or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these cases, it is important to gradually decrease in the dosage.
Treatments for anxiety that are not related to ADHD may be used for people with the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with anxiety and depression related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to act however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medication. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies aids in teaching skills that could help reduce a person's anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and in those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to be more focused at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it could hinder the child's ability to participate in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.