Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

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

Stimulants can increase focus and concentration. They work by keeping activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They often cause tics and may increase your heart rate slightly.

Stimulants

When treating adhd stimulant medication, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. They work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medications used to treat adhd are controlled substances and are prone to addiction and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They do tend to cause insomnia at first which could result from a rebound of ADHD symptoms once the medication has worn off or changes in the pattern of sleep. This can be minimized by taking the medication only once per day, instead of three or four times, and also by developing regular sleeping routines.

Stimulants can have side effects such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly when used in high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in some individuals, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can also occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential that you gradually reduce the dosage.

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

Non-stimulant medicines for adhd medication cost are slower to take effect but they can aid in reducing the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They do not alter the amount of norepinephrine present in the brain as much as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger a rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).

Combinations of strategies, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication, are a viable option to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. To get the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe an additional psychiatric drug to treat anxiety if necessary. It could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it may hinder the child's ability to benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to determine the cause and treatment correct the first time.