Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can increase focus and concentration. They work by keeping already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to enhance focus and decrease impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and carry the risk of dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. They do tend to cause insomnia at first which could result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication is taken off or changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They also can cause anorexia or weight loss, especially when they are consumed in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in certain people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to gradually reduction in the dosage.
Treatments for anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD, but medical research does not support this use.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are slower to take effect however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate since they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. 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 medication, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For Iam Psychiatry , cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in teaching skills that could aid in reducing anxiety like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. If children with ADHD have anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to be more focused at school and experience less ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. To reap the maximum benefits it is essential to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and benefit from it. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.