Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Might Be Your Next Big Obsession
Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Might Be Your Next Big Obsession
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first drugs doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. These drugs act quickly to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by boosting 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 are able to tolerate them well. They do tend to induce insomnia in the beginning that could result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms when the medication wears off or due to a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication only every day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleep routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants could include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are consumed in large doses. In addition, stimulants may worsen mood lability in some people and make manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential to slowly reduction in the dose.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD, as well as depression. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe these medications to here treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use but they can aid in reducing impulsivity and improve concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance help teach skills to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. It is essential to regularly attend therapy sessions to get the most benefit. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic medication, like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and benefit from it. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment the first time.