Why Is There All This Fuss About Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety?

Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.

Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. They work by keeping previously activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate a little.

Stimulants

When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in certain people by increasing norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to addiction and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. They do cause insomnia at first, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication wears off or due to a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.

Stimulants can have adverse effects, such as a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss especially when taken in large doses. In addition, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In  adhd anxiety medication , it is important that you gradually reduce the dose.

People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with anxiety and depression related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.

Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to act but they can decrease impulsivity and increase attention. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

A variety of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety, and in those cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to be more focused at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety if necessary. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and benefit from it. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.