Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in some individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and consequently have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the drug only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular sleeping routines.
Stimulants can have adverse effects, such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in sound or vision. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly when taken at high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some people, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In add adhd medication is crucial to gradually decrease the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD may be used for people suffering from the condition. For instance antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine may help with anxiety associated with ADHD and depression. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to take effect but they can decrease impulsivity and increase attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can aid in reducing anxiety, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety if necessary. It could be a tricyclic, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it could hinder the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. It is crucial to get the diagnosis right and the correct treatment the first time.