Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can increase focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to enhance concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, which means they are prone to addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by creating a regular sleeping schedule.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in sound or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. read more Stimulants can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these situations it is essential to slowly decrease in the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are slower to take effect but they can aid in reducing the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger agitation or rapid heart rate because they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child be more focused at school and experience less anxiety related to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to get the most benefit. A doctor could prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety if necessary. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it may hinder the child's ability to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.