Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment options for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medications doctors typically use when treating ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances, and consequently are prone to abuse and addiction. However some adults have found that they can take them with ease. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times a week, and by establishing an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can have side effects such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in sound or vision. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia, especially when they are taken at high doses. In addition, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential to slowly reduction in the dose.
Medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD could be used to treat those suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with anxiety and depression related to ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to work but they can decrease the impulsivity of children and improve the amount of attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation, as they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral 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 example, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child be more focused at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. adhd adults medication is crucial to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. adhd for adults medication might prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can interfere with the child's ability to participate in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.