Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

About 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.

Stimulants can be effective in enhancing attention and focus. They work by keeping already activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause an increase in the heart rate.

Stimulants

Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medication doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. They work quickly to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be minimized by taking the drug only once per day, rather than three or four times, and also by developing regular routines for sleeping.

Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They may also trigger anorexia or weight loss, especially when they are consumed in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in certain people and trigger psychotic or manic-like symptoms click here to appear. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to slowly reduction in the dose.

People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage anxiety. For instance, antidepressants such as SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine may help with ADHD-related anxiety and depression. These medications are often prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications for ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work however they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation because they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

A combination of strategies can be employed 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.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child be more focused at school and will experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to attend therapy regularly to reap the maximum benefits. A doctor might prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety if necessary. It could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.