Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Both therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.

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

Stimulants

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medication doctors usually try to treat ADHD. They work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to take them with ease. They can induce insomnia in the beginning, which may be due to a relapse of ADHD symptoms after the medication is taken off or due to a change in sleep patterns. This can be minimized by taking the medication only once per day, rather than three or four times, and by establishing regular sleep routines.

Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise 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. In addition, stimulants can increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain individuals and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these situations it is crucial that you gradually reduce the dose.

The use of medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD could be used to treat people with the condition. For instance antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with ADHD-related anxiety as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, medical research does not support this practice.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to take effect, but can help reduce impulsivity and improve focus. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation because they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).

A variety of strategies can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapies, like help teach skills to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. Certain children with common adhd medications also suffer from anxiety, and in those instances, the best medication for adhd approach is to treat the ADHD first, then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to be more focused in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is crucial to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. If needed, a doctor may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety what is the most common adhd medication prescribed not treated it can interfere with the ability of a child to benefit from therapy. This is why it is crucial to establish the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.