Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medications doctors usually try to treat ADHD. These drugs are effective in helping improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. add in adults medication can help alleviate anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and therefore are prone to addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. They do tend to cause initial insomnia which could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms once the medication wears off or an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication only one time per day instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by establishing an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects like an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss especially when taken in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and trigger psychotic or manic-like symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can also occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these cases it is crucial to gradually decrease in the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD can be prescribed to people with the disorder. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with anxiety associated with ADHD as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to act but they can decrease the impulsivity of children and improve the amount of attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause anxiety or a rapid heart rate since they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. more.. that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance teach techniques to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from 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 suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. To achieve the best results, it is important to take part in therapy sessions regularly. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat the anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it may hinder the child's ability to benefit from therapy. It is important to determine the cause and the treatment correct the first time.