Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50% of adults who have ADHD. 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 the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and consequently carry a risk of addiction and abuse. However some adults have found that they can take them with ease. adult add medications do tend to cause insomnia at first which could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication has worn off or due to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or more times a week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Potential side effects from stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia particularly when taken at high doses. In addition, stimulants may worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these situations it is crucial to slowly reduction in the dose.
Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD may be used for people suffering from the disorder. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine may help with anxiety associated with ADHD, as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to act however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as much as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In these instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To get the best results, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.