Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first drugs doctors typically use to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times a week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Potential side effects from 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 especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are contraindicated in people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these instances it is crucial to gradually decrease the dose.
Medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for people with the condition. For instance antidepressants, such as SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to take effect, but they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as much as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or cause agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies aids in teaching skills that could aid in reducing anxiety by incorporating techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and suffer less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is essential to establish the correct check here diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.