Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors usually try in treating ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances, which means they carry a risk of dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they can tolerate them well. They do cause initial insomnia that could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms after the medication is taken off or due to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times per week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can have adverse effects, such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are used in high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in some individuals and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are contraindicated for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. adhd medication list may also occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these situations it is essential to take a gradual reduction in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. For instance antidepressants like SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety as well as depression. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to work however they can help reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like teach techniques to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefit from it. This is why it's crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.