Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in some people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and therefore have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only once a day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular routines for sleeping.
Possible side effects of stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can 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 suffering from the disorder. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety as well as depression. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to act but they can decrease impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate, as they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This class of drugs comprises strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. Certain children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In these cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to focus better in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why check here it is essential to determine the cause and treatment correct the first time.