Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medications doctors typically use to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. They can reduce anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. They do cause initial insomnia which could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms when the medication is taken off or to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only once per day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular sleep routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in vision or hearing. Iam Psychiatry can also cause anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. Additionally, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these instances it is essential to take a gradual reduction in the dosage.
Treatments for anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat people with the disorder. For instance antidepressants like SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine may aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD, as well as depression. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to work but they can decrease the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as strongly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies aids in teaching skills that could reduce anxiety in people by incorporating techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to take part in therapy sessions regularly. A doctor might prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it may hinder the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.