Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can increase focus and attention. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with an increase in the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medication doctors usually try in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in some people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia can be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only one time per day instead of taking it three or more times a week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Possible side effects of stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, and changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia especially when they are consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually decrease the dose.
Treatments for anxiety that are not related to ADHD may be used for those suffering from the condition. For example antidepressants like SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with anxiety associated with ADHD as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to take effect, but they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase the amount of attention. They do not affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In these cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. adhd anxiety medication might prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety when needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it could hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to determine the cause and the treatment right the first time.