There's A Good And Bad About Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
There's A Good And Bad About Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants can help improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first drugs doctors usually try to treat ADHD. These drugs act quickly to improve focus and reduce the amount of impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances, and carry the risk of dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia may be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the drug only once per day, instead of three or four times, and by establishing regular sleeping routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause anorexia or weight loss, especially when they are used in high doses. In addition, stimulants may worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms manifest. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood adhd medication ritalin swings when suddenly stopped. In these situations it is crucial to slowly decrease in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD can be prescribed to those suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD, but medical research does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to act however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase attention. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, teach skills that reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is crucial to take part in therapy sessions regularly. If necessary, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. It is important to determine the cause and the treatment correct the first time.