A Look At The Good And Bad About Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
A Look At The Good And Bad About Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
About 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both disorders.
Stimulants can help improve concentration and focus. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics, and increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medications doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. They work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. They can also alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and consequently are prone to addiction and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to tolerate them well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication only every day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular sleep routines.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and changes in hearing or vision. They can also cause anorexia and weight loss, especially when taken in large doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in certain people, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these situations, it is important that you gradually reduce the dosage.
Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD may be used for people suffering from the disorder. Antidepressants such Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors also get more info prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to act, but they can reduce the impulsivity of children and improve concentration. They do not affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to cause a 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 ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies and medications. The most effective treatment for anxiety and ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance help teach skills to reduce anxiety, like deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. Certain children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In those instances, the best approach is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to concentrate better in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is important to attend regularly therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefit. If needed, a physician may suggest an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. It could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not treated, it can hinder a child's ability to participate in therapy and benefit from it. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment the first time.