Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "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 and amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and reduce the impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances, and consequently carry a risk of dependence and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. They do induce insomnia in the beginning which could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms when the medication is taken off or to a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and also by creating a regular sleeping schedule.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these cases it is essential to slowly reduction in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are more difficult to use, but can help reduce impulsivity and improve attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In these cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child be more focused at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is crucial to take part in therapy sessions regularly. adhd treatment without medication could prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it could hinder the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to determine the cause and treatment right the first time.