Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medications doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. Recommended Web page can reduce anxiety in some individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication once per day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can trigger side effects such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential that you gradually reduce the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for those suffering from the disorder. For instance antidepressants like SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine may help with anxiety associated with ADHD and depression. These medicines are usually 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 medications for ADHD are more difficult to use but they can aid in reducing the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate, as they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people by incorporating techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is crucial to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it's crucial to determine the cause and treatment right the first time.