Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.

Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.

Stimulants

When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs act quickly to enhance concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can reduce anxiety in some individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and can lead to addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication only once a day, instead of three or four times, and also by developing regular sleeping routines.

Stimulants can have side effects such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in sound or vision. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants may cause a rise in mood lability in certain people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these cases it is essential to gradually decrease in the dosage.

People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for adhd and depression medication. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, research in the field doesn't support this usage.

Non-stimulant Adhd Medication Guanfacine medicines are slower to take effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include 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. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like teach techniques to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. To get the best results, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat the anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. This is why it's crucial to determine the cause and treatment correct the first time.