Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. However some adults have found that they can tolerate them well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once per day, instead of three or four times, and by establishing regular sleeping routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential to take a gradual decrease in the dosage.
People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety associated with ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use but they can aid in reducing the impulsivity of children and improve focus. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause an increase in heart click here rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs comprises strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies assists in teaching skills that can aid in reducing anxiety like deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. It is crucial to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. If necessary doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment the first time.