Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is Your Next Big Obsession
Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing attention and focus. They work by keeping already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause the tics of your brain and can increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first drugs doctors will typically try when treating ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. However some adults have found that they are able to take them without issue. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the drug only once a day, rather than three or four times, and also by developing regular sleeping routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in certain people, and cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for those with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these instances it is essential that you gradually reduce the dosage.
People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with anxiety associated with ADHD and depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to work, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase concentration. adult add medications don't affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as much as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies aids in teaching skills that could help reduce a person's anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to be more focused in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. It is crucial to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. A doctor may prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it can interfere with the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.