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 improve focus and attention. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause an increase in your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to enhance concentration and decrease impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only every day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and also by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia, especially when they are taken at high doses. Additionally, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these situations, it is important to take a gradual decrease in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to take effect but they can decrease the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to cause anxiety or a rapid heart rate since they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This class of drugs comprises strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
medication for add in adults of strategies, like cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people by incorporating techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to be more focused in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To get the best results, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. If necessary doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. It is important to determine the cause and the correct treatment the first time.
