Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants can improve focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances, which means they carry a risk of addiction and abuse. However some adults have found that they are able to tolerate them well. They do induce insomnia in the beginning that could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms when the medication is taken off or changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be reduced by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can cause side effects such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in sound or vision. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly if they are used in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in certain people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to manifest. They are contraindicated in people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can also occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to gradually reduce the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. For instance antidepressants like SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine may aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD, as well as depression. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some 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 however they can reduce impulsivity and improve attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate since they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance help teach skills to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. Certain children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child non prescription adhd medication to concentrate better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. If needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it could hinder the child's ability to benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.