Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with tics and may increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medications doctors usually try in treating ADHD. These drugs act quickly to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. on front page are controlled substances and are prone to addiction and abuse. However, some adults find that they can take them without issue. They do tend to cause initial insomnia, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication wears off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only every day, rather than three or four times, and also by developing regular sleep routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. adult add medication can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually reduce the dose.
Treatments for anxiety that are not related to ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the disorder. For instance, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, medical research does not support this use.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are more difficult to use however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of drugs comprises strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In these instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to be more focused at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. Then, if needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic, such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it could hinder the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.