What Is Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety? And How To Make Use Of It

Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.

Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.

Stimulants

Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors usually try in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and reduce impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and 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 wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the drug only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular routines for sleeping.

Stimulants can cause side effects such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people, and cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to develop. They are contraindicated in people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants are abruptly removed. In these situations, here it is important to gradually decrease the dose.

People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. For instance, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD and depression. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.

Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to work however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).

Combinations of strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and experience less ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. To achieve the best results it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. If necessary, a physician may suggest an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic medication, such as Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it is crucial to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.