Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
adhd in adults medication
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times per week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Potential side effects from stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in certain people, and cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to develop. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually reduce the dose.
Medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD could be used to treat those suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example are able to help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to act, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as much as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like, teach skills that reduce anxiety, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and suffer less anxiety related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits it is crucial to take part in therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety when needed. It could be a tricyclic, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it can interfere with the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it's crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.