Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment options for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.

Stimulants can improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate a little.

Stimulants

When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and decrease the impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by boosting the norepinephrine level. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and consequently have a high risk of abuse and addiction. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once per day, instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by creating regular sleeping patterns.

Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in vision or hearing. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia especially when they are used in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and trigger psychotic or manic-like symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these instances it is essential that you gradually reduce the dosage.

The use of medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD may be used for people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example are able to help with depression read more and anxiety related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.

Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to act but they can decrease the impulsivity of children and improve the amount of attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).

Combinations of strategies, including cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.

For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies helps teach skills that can help reduce a person's anxiety, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. In the event that children suffering from ADHD have anxiety problems it is recommended to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child be more focused at school and will experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat anxiety, if needed. It could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is important to get the diagnosis right and the correct treatment the first time.