Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

About 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.

Stimulants can be effective in enhancing attention and focus. They work by keeping already activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate slightly.

Stimulants

When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. They work quickly to improve focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and are prone to dependence and abuse. However some adults have found that they can take them with ease. They can cause initial insomnia, which may result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms when the medication is taken off or due to changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be minimized by taking the medication once per day, instead of three or four times, and also by developing regular routines for sleeping.

Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in vision or sound. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly if they are consumed in large doses. Additionally, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these instances it is crucial to gradually reduce the dosage.

Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat those suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.

Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to act, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They do not affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or cause agitation. Drugs that belong to this class here of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

A combination of strategies can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, teach skills that reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In these instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to be more focused in school and suffer less ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. To achieve the best results it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety if necessary. This could be a tricyclic medication, such as Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is crucial to get the diagnosis right and the treatment correct the first time.