Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of adults with 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 can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and therefore are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by creating a regular sleeping schedule.
Stimulants can have side effects such as a sudden 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. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Mood swings can also occur when stimulants are abruptly removed. In these situations it is crucial that you gradually reduce the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, research in the field does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to take effect, but can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation since they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. If children with ADHD have anxiety problems, it is best to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. adult adhd medication iampsychiatry will help the child concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. To get the best results it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is essential to determine the cause and the correct treatment the first time.