Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medications doctors will typically try to treat ADHD. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medicines are controlled substances and therefore carry a risk of dependence and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the drug only once a day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular routines for sleeping.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They can also trigger anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated in people with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these cases it is crucial to gradually decrease in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD could be used to treat those suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. adhd medication online are usually prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. adhd medication for adults uk prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are more difficult to use however they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve focus. They are less likely than stimulants to cause agitation or rapid heart rate because 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, including cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and will experience less anxiety related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, 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 could hinder the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.