Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping 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 the doctors usually begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore are prone to abuse and addiction. Some adults can tolerate them quite 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 one time per day instead of taking it three or four times a week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Potential side effects from stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly when taken at high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and can cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these cases, it is important to take a gradual decrease in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD may be used for people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to act, but they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in teaching skills that could aid in reducing anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. If children with ADHD have anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. adhd uk medication will help the child focus better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to attend therapy regularly to get the most benefit. If needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to participate in therapy and benefit from it. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.