Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. 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
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances and therefore carry a risk of abuse and addiction. Some adults are tolerant of them. They do cause insomnia at first which could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms after the medication has worn off or due to changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be reduced by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, especially when they are taken at high doses. They can also increase mood instability in some individuals and trigger psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are contraindicated in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these cases it is crucial to take a gradual decrease in the dosage.
People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. For example antidepressants like SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, research in the field does not support this use.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to work however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as much as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. If medication for adults with add with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to concentrate better in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To get the best results it is crucial to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat the anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the child's ability to benefit from therapy. It is crucial to determine the cause and the treatment correct the first time.
