A Step-By Step Guide To Selecting Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
A Step-By Step Guide To Selecting Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants can improve focus and concentration. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD doctors typically begin with stimulants such as methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs act quickly to enhance concentration and decrease the amount of impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain individuals by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and consequently have a high risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They do tend to cause insomnia at first, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms once the medication is taken off or due to changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be reduced by taking the medication only 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 include a sudden increase in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. They can also increase mood instability in some people and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these cases, it is important to slowly decrease in the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These medicines are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are slower to take effect however they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve attention. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and they are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or agitation. Medications that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), 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 employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, read more for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety, and in those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to concentrate better in school and suffer less ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. It is crucial to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. If necessary, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic medication, such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder the ability of a child to take part in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.