Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. 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, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first drugs doctors will typically try to treat ADHD. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and can lead to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they can take them without issue. They do tend to induce insomnia in the beginning, which may result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms once the medication has worn off or to a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleep routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in vision or hearing. They may also trigger anorexia or weight loss, particularly if they are consumed in large doses. In addition, stimulants may worsen mood lability in some people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated in people with bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these instances it is click here essential to gradually reduce the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for people with the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to take effect but they can aid in reducing impulsivity and improve attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medication, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. A doctor may prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety when needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it is crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.