Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with tics and may increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of abuse and addiction. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times a week, and also by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Potential side effects from stimulants could 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. Additionally, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly removed. In these situations, it is important to gradually reduction in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some does adhd medication work doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to take effect but they can decrease the impulsivity of children and improve attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or agitation. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavior 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, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to take part in therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat the anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is essential to determine the cause and the correct treatment the first time.