Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

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

Stimulants can be effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.


Stimulants

When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs act quickly to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and consequently have a high risk of abuse and addiction. However certain adults find that they can take them without issue. Initial insomnia can be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication once per day, instead of three or four times per week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.

Stimulants can have adverse effects, such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some people, and cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these cases, it is important to gradually reduction in the dosage.

People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. For instance antidepressants like SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine may aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use but they can aid in reducing 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 do not increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).

A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. 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, like mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and in those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child concentrate better at school and will experience less anxiety due to ADHD. adhd without medication is important to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. If needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefit from it. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.