Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause an increase in your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first drugs doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. These drugs are effective in helping increase concentration and decrease impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. They do tend to cause initial insomnia which could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms once the medication is taken off or to a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once per day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by establishing a regular sleeping schedule.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in vision or hearing. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants may worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually decrease the dose.
People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. add medication adult as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications for ADHD however, research in the field doesn't support this usage.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work, but can help reduce impulsivity and improve attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like help teach skills to reduce anxiety, including deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In those cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child be more focused at school and experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. If necessary, a doctor may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic medication, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it can interfere with the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to establish the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.