How Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Altered My Life For The Better
Best ADHD Medication For Adults With AnxietyAnxiety disorders can affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can increase focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first drugs doctors usually try to treat ADHD. These drugs are effective in helping improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore have a high risk of dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they can take them without issue. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the drug only once per day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.
Stimulants can cause negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in vision or sound. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. Additionally, stimulants can increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these situations it is essential that you gradually reduce the dose.
People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. For example antidepressants like SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD as well as depression. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, research in the field doesn't support this usage.
Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD are more difficult to use however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation, as they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, such as the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medication, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child be more focused at school and will experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is essential to attend therapy regularly to reap the maximum benefits. A doctor here may prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could 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.