Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping already activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause tics and may increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances, and consequently have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only every day, instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by creating a regular sleeping schedule.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in sound or vision. They can also cause anorexia or weight loss, particularly when used in high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated in people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these instances, it is important to gradually reduce the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example are able to help with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but medical research does not support this use.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use, but can help reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs comprises strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In these instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, adhd medication online then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to be more focused at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. It is important to attend therapy regularly to reap the maximum benefit. A doctor may prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and gain benefit from it. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.