Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can increase focus and concentration. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. adhd and medication Iam Psychiatry can reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore carry a risk of dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they can take them with ease. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular routines for sleeping.
Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in sound or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually decrease the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat people with the condition. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. 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 use.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to take effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like teach techniques to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. If children with ADHD have anxiety problems, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to regularly attend therapy sessions to get the most benefit. Then, if needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to treat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic medication, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.