Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can be effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medications doctors typically use to treat ADHD. They work quickly to improve focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore are prone to addiction and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular sleep routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in some people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these cases it is essential to slowly decrease in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for people with the condition. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. adhd without medication are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, medical research doesn't support this usage.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are slower to work but they can aid in reducing the impulsivity of children and improve attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause agitation or rapid heart rate because they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine E.R. (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 of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance help teach skills to reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In these instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child focus better at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. To achieve the best results, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. If needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can interfere with the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to determine the cause and treatment right the first time.