Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

About 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication as well as therapy.

Stimulants can improve focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics and raise your heart rate.

Stimulants

When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to enhance concentration and reduce the impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They do tend to cause initial insomnia which adhd medication is the best could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms after the medication has worn off or to a change in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by creating a regular sleeping schedule.

Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss, particularly when taken in high doses. Additionally, stimulants can cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these cases it is essential to slowly reduction in the dose.

Treatments for anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat those suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with depression and anxiety associated with ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat adhd medication making it worse however this practice is not supported by research in medical science.

non medication treatment for adhd-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to take effect, but they can reduce impulsivity and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause agitation or rapid heart rate since they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).

A variety of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. Certain children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In these cases, the best medication for adhd strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to focus better at school and experience less anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor might prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety when needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it may hinder the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to determine the cause and treatment right the first time.