Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing attention and focus. 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
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. They can alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they can take them with ease. They do cause initial insomnia that could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms when the medication is taken off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication one time per day instead of three or four times per week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects like an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in sound or vision. They may also trigger anorexia or weight loss, particularly when consumed in large doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Mood swings can also occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these cases, it is important to take a gradual decrease in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to take effect, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase attention. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as much as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like help teach skills to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing 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 child to focus better in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to get the most benefit. If needed medications for adhd uk may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to participate in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is crucial to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.