Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can increase concentration and focus. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. These drugs act quickly to enhance concentration and decrease impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore are prone to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to take them without issue. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.
Stimulants can cause side effects such as an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause weight loss and anorexia, especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these situations it is crucial that you gradually reduce the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD may be used for those suffering from the condition. For instance antidepressants like SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine may check here help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, research in the field does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are more difficult to use but they can aid in reducing the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to cause anxiety or a rapid heart rate, as they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be employed to manage ADHD and anxiety, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety, and in those cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. It is essential to regularly attend therapy sessions to get the most benefit. A doctor could prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic medication, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it could hinder the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.