Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 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 already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with an increase in your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs act quickly to improve concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and are prone to addiction and abuse. However certain adults find that they can take them with ease. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication one time per day instead of three or four times per week, and by establishing a regular sleeping schedule.
Stimulants can have side effects such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in vision or sound. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia, particularly if they are taken at high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these cases it is essential to take a gradual reduction in the dose.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD can be prescribed to those suffering from the condition. For instance antidepressants, such as SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine can aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD as well as depression. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are slower to work however they can reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation. Drugs 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 used to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like help teach skills to reduce anxiety, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In these instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety get more info that is related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.