Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment options for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medication doctors typically use to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and therefore have a high risk of dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they can tolerate them well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication once per day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for people with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually reduce the dosage.
People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are more info slower to take effect, but they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve the amount of attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as much as stimulants, and are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also struggle 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 in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to attend therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed, a doctor may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it may hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is crucial to determine the cause and the treatment right the first time.