What Is Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety? And How To Make Use Of It

Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

About 50% of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.

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 trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.

Stimulants

Stimulants, such as methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first drugs doctors typically use to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in some individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they can take them with ease. They do tend to cause insomnia at first that could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms when the medication is taken off or to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only once per day, instead of three or four times, and also by developing regular routines for sleeping.

Potential side effects from stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in vision or hearing. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people, and cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to appear. They are contraindicated for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these instances, it is important to gradually decrease the dosage.

People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine may help with anxiety associated with ADHD and depression. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work, but can help reduce impulsivity and improve focus. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as much as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).

A combination of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.

For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can aid in reducing anxiety by incorporating techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. If children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety that is get more info related to ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to attend therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed, a physician may suggest an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is crucial to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.