Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medications doctors typically use in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once per day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleep routines.

Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia especially when they are consumed in large doses. They can also increase mood instability in some individuals and trigger psychotic or manic-like symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for people with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these situations, it is important to get more info gradually reduction in the dosage.

People suffering from ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with anxiety associated with ADHD and depression. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work, but they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve attention. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as much as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

A variety of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has proven 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 help reduce a person's anxiety like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to be more focused in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to attend therapy sessions regularly. If needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and benefit from it. It is crucial to determine the cause and the correct treatment the first time.