Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.
adhd anxiety medication can help improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." adhd anxiety medication cause an increase in the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medications doctors typically use in treating ADHD. These drugs act quickly to improve focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. However some adults have found that they can tolerate them well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and by creating a regular sleeping schedule.
Stimulants can cause side effects such as a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in sound or vision. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these cases it is essential to gradually reduction in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase the amount of attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger agitation or rapid heart rate, as they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In these instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety that is 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. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it could hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to get the diagnosis right and the treatment correct the first time.