It's Time To Expand Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Options
It's Time To Expand Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Options
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in some people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and can lead to addiction and abuse. However, some adults find that they can take them with ease. They do tend to cause initial insomnia, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication wears off or changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be lowered by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or more times a week, and also by creating an established sleeping routine.
Potential side effects from stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important to gradually reduce the dose.
People suffering from ADHD may be prescribed medications to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with anxiety and depression that are related to ADHD. These medications are often prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase the amount of attention. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be used to manage ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
For example, here cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in teaching skills that could help reduce a person's anxiety like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will enable the child to be more focused in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is important to regularly attend therapy sessions to get the most benefit. If necessary doctors may recommend an additional medication for psychiatric disorders to help treat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic medication, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it could interfere with a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it is crucial to determine the cause and treatment correct the first time.