Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of those who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only every day, instead of three or four times a week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can have side effects such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They may also trigger anorexia or weight loss, particularly when consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain people and make manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for those with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly removed. In these cases it is more info essential to gradually reduction in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with anxiety and depression related to ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, research in the field doesn't support this usage.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work but they can decrease impulsivity and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger agitation or rapid heart rate since they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medication, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies helps teach skills that can help reduce a person's anxiety like deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. 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 due to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is crucial to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. If necessary, a physician may suggest an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. 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 benefit from it. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.