Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of adults with ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication as well as therapy.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first drugs doctors usually try to treat adhd sleep medication. These drugs act quickly to enhance focus and decrease the amount of impulsivity. Certain people can reduce anxiety by increasing the norepinephrine level. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and are prone to dependence and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication once a day, instead of three or four times, and by creating regular sleep routines.

Stimulants can trigger negative side effects like a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in sound or vision. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia especially when they are used in high doses. In addition, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and make psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Mood swings may also occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these cases, it is important to gradually reduction in the dosage.

People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to manage anxiety. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance are able to help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are more difficult to use, but can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They don't affect the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to trigger rapid heart rate or agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs include strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine in ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

A combination of strategies can be utilized to manage ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapies helps teach skills that can help reduce a person's anxiety like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. If children with ADHD suffer from anxiety issues it is advisable to treat the inattentive adhd medication adults prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. To reap the maximum benefits, it is important to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe a different types of adhd medication psychiatric medication for odd and adhd to treat anxiety when needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it may hinder the child's ability to participate in and benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment correct the first time.