Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders can affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.

Stimulants are effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.

Stimulants

Stimulants, such as methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medications doctors usually try in treating ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances, and are prone to addiction and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to take them with ease. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or more times a week, and by establishing a regular sleeping schedule.

Possible side effects of stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. In addition, stimulants may increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is crucial to gradually reduction in the dosage.

Treatments for anxiety that aren't related to ADHD could be used to treat people with the disorder. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage 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 attention. They do not affect the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. Medications that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).

Combinations of strategies, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In these instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child concentrate better at school and will experience less anxiety due to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. A doctor might prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety when needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain read more benefit from it. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment the first time.