Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. adhd depression medication work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to enhance concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in some people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication once per day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in vision or sound. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia, especially when they are consumed in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and can cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can also occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to gradually decrease the dose.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with depression and anxiety associated with ADHD. These medications 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 medications take longer to take effect, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs comprises strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. Certain children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and in those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to take part in therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety when needed. This could be a tricyclic medication, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it could hinder the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.