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 be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs act quickly to enhance concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity. They can reduce anxiety in some people by increasing norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and carry the risk of dependence and abuse. However some adults have found that they can take them without issue. They can cause initial insomnia that could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms once the medication is taken off or to changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be reduced by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in vision or sound. They can also cause anorexia or weight loss, particularly if they are taken at high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these situations it is essential that you gradually reduce the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications for ADHD however, research in the field does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work but they can aid in reducing the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as much as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment here is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. It is crucial to attend therapy regularly to get the most benefit. If necessary doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat the anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it may hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to establish the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.