Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs act quickly to enhance focus and reduce impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by creating an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden 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. In addition, stimulants may worsen mood lability in some individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are contraindicated in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly removed. In these instances, it is important that you gradually reduce the dose.
People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example are able to help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work but they can decrease impulsivity and increase attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as much as stimulants, and read more are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like, teach skills that reduce anxiety, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In those 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 concentrate better in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. If necessary doctors may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat the anxiety. This 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's crucial to determine the cause and treatment right the first time.