Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause an increase in your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances and therefore have a high risk of dependence and abuse. However some adults have found that they can take them without issue. They can cause insomnia at first which could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms once the medication is taken off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or four times per week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.
Possible side effects of stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in vision or hearing. They may also trigger anorexia or weight loss, particularly when consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these situations it is crucial to gradually decrease the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work but they can aid in reducing the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They do not alter the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation. Medications that belong here to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people by incorporating techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. Some 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 at school and will experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To achieve the best results, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety when needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it may hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment correct the first time.