Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Up to 50% of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.

Stimulants can help improve focus and concentration. 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, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first drugs doctors usually try in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and reduce the impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they can take them with ease. They do induce insomnia in the beginning, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms when the medication has worn off or due to a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication once per day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular sleeping routines.

Stimulants can a doctor prescribe adhd Medication without a diagnosis cause negative side effects like an abrupt rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in vision or sound. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some people and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants suddenly removed. In these instances it is crucial that you gradually reduce the dose.

Treatments for anxiety that aren't related to liquid adhd medication could be used to treat people suffering from the disorder. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with ADHD-related anxiety, as well as depression. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.

Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to take effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase the amount of attention. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

Combinations of strategies, including the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like help teach skills to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to be more focused in school and suffer less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to take part in therapy sessions regularly. If needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is crucial to get the diagnosis right and the treatment right the first time.