Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is The Next Big Obsession
Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is The Next Big Obsession
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect as much as 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can help improve focus and attention. They work by keeping receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medication doctors will typically try in treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and reduce the impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore are prone to addiction and abuse. However some adults have found that they are able to take them without issue. They do tend to cause insomnia at first that could be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication has worn off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication once a day, rather than three or four times, and by creating regular routines for sleeping.
Possible side effects of stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or changes in hearing or vision. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly when taken at high doses. They can also increase mood instability in certain people and can cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for those with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings if they are abruptly stopped. In these situations it is essential to gradually reduction in the dose.
Medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to those suffering from the condition. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs like Sertraline and Fluoxetine may check here aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD and depression. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, medical research doesn't support this usage.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are slower to work, but can help reduce the impulsivity of children and improve attention. 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. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine), Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, including behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medications, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has demonstrated that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety, and in those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to be more focused in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms related to ADHD. It is crucial to regularly attend therapy sessions to reap the maximum benefits. A doctor may prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety when needed. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated it could hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is crucial to get the diagnosis right and the treatment right the first time.