Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants can be effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medication doctors usually try when treating ADHD. They work quickly to enhance concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, which means they carry a risk of dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they can tolerate them well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the drug only once a day, rather than three or four times, and also by developing regular routines for sleeping.
Possible side effects of stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia or weight loss, particularly when consumed in large doses. In addition, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are contraindicated for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these situations it is essential to gradually decrease the dose.
Treatments for anxiety that aren't related to ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like 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. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase focus. They are less likely than stimulants to cause anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. medication adhd adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and in those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. A doctor might prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it is crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.
