Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and can lead to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. They can cause initial insomnia that could result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication wears off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or more times per week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can have negative side effects like an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They may also trigger anorexia or weight loss, particularly when consumed in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in certain people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these cases, it is important to take a gradual reduction in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for people with the condition. For example antidepressants like SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with anxiety associated with ADHD as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. adhd medications uk prescribe them for ADHD however, medical research does not support this use.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are slower to take effect, but can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor might prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it's crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.