Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medications doctors typically use in treating ADHD. These drugs act quickly to enhance concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances, and can lead to dependence and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular sleep routines.
Stimulants can have negative side effects like an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in some individuals, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to take a gradual decrease in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to those suffering from the disorder. For example antidepressants like SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, research in the field does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to work however they can help reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger agitation or rapid heart rate because they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in teaching skills that could help reduce a person's anxiety, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety-related read more symptoms related to ADHD. To get the best results it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefit from it. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.