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 as well as therapy.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with an increase in the heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. They can alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. However some adults have found that they can take them without issue. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only every day, instead of three or four times per week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in some individuals, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to manifest. They are contraindicated for people suffering from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually decrease the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD can be prescribed to people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, research in the field doesn't support this usage.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to act, but they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate since they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) and clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Full Survey of strategies can be employed to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. In the event that children suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to get the most benefit. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. It is essential to get the diagnosis right and the treatment right the first time.
