Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause the tics of your brain and can increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, which means they carry a risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They do cause initial insomnia that could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms once the medication wears off or due to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or more times per week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss and anorexia, especially when taken in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some people, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential to gradually reduce the dosage.
Treatments for anxiety that are different than ADHD may be used for people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to work, but they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as much as stimulants, and are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation. 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).
A variety of strategies can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. Certain children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the here child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is crucial to take part in therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to treat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is crucial to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment correct the first time.