Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances and therefore carry a risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. They do tend to cause insomnia at first which could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms once the medication wears off or to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once per day, instead of taking it three or four times a week, and also by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can cause side effects such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in sound or vision. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some individuals and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these instances it is essential to gradually decrease in the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD may be used for those suffering from the disorder. For instance, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use however they can reduce impulsivity and improve focus. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or cause agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) and clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, teach skills that reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. Certain children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In those instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. medication for adults with add will allow the child to concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. It is essential to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. A doctor could prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. This is why it is crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.