Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
best adhd medication can be effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping already activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with tics and may increase the heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medications doctors typically use when treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and decrease the impulsivity. They can alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and can lead to dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication only once per day, instead of three or four times, and by establishing regular sleeping routines.
Stimulants can have negative side effects like an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in vision or sound. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in some people and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to appear. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these instances, it is important to slowly reduction in the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe these medications 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 impulsivity and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation since they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example help teach skills to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In those cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it is crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.