Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is More Dangerous Than You Believed

Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.

Stimulants can help improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping previously activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate a little.

Stimulants

Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medication doctors typically use to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and are prone to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they can take them with ease. They can cause initial insomnia which could be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms after the medication wears off or to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication every day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular sleep routines.

Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in vision or sound. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss particularly when taken in high doses. Additionally, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants suddenly stopped. In these situations it is essential to gradually decrease the dosage.

The use of medications to treat anxiety that are not related to ADHD can be prescribed to people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example are able to help with anxiety and depression related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by medical research.

adult adhd treatments -stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to work, but they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

A variety of strategies can be employed to manage ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and calming techniques. If children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is advisable to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety related to ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to get the most benefit. If needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to treat the anxiety. This could be a tricyclic such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it may hinder the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the treatment right the first time.