Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping already activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." adhd medication uk cause the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to enhance concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and consequently are prone to dependence and abuse. However, some adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. They can cause insomnia at first, which may be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms when the medication wears off or to changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be lowered by taking the drug only every day, instead of three or four times, and also by developing regular routines for sleeping.
Possible side effects of stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia particularly when taken at high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people and trigger manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are contraindicated in people with bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these instances it is crucial that you gradually reduce the dosage.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant drugs 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, as they don't increase the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medication, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety, and in those instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is crucial to attend therapy regularly to reap the maximum benefit. If needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. It could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.