Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of adults who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and by creating an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can trigger side effects such as a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause weight loss and anorexia, especially when taken in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in some individuals, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are contraindicated for people suffering from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these instances it is crucial to gradually decrease the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to those suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are more difficult to use, but can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medication. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies aids in teaching skills that could reduce anxiety in people like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to concentrate better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. If necessary, a doctor may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If medication for adults with add is not treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is essential to get the diagnosis right and the correct treatment the first time.