Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants can increase focus and concentration. They work by keeping already activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medication doctors will typically try to treat ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and are prone to addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They can cause insomnia at first, which may result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication has worn off or changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be reduced by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or four times a week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can have adverse effects, such as a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in vision or sound. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss especially when taken in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and make manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential to gradually reduction in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, research in the field does not support this use.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are slower to work however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase focus. add in adults medication are less likely than stimulants to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation because they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. If children with ADHD have anxiety issues it is recommended to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to focus better at school and suffer less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To get the best results, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefit from it. This is why it is crucial to determine the cause and treatment right, the first time.