The Time Has Come To Expand Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Options
The Time Has Come To Expand Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Options
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants are effective in enhancing attention and focus. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They can trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidates are the first medication doctors usually try when treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce impulsivity. They can alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances, and consequently carry a risk of dependence and abuse. Some adults can tolerate them quite well. They do tend to cause initial insomnia, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms once the medication is taken off or due to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication once a day, rather than three or four times, and also by developing regular sleep routines.
Potential side effects from stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia particularly if they are used in high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some individuals and trigger psychotic or manic-like symptoms to manifest. They are not recommended for those suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can also occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these instances it is crucial to gradually reduction in the dose.
Treatments for anxiety that are not related to ADHD may be used for those suffering from the disorder. For example antidepressants, such as SSRIs such as Sertraline and Fluoxetine can sometimes help with anxiety associated with ADHD, as well as depression. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. get more info Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD, but this use is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to take effect however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase the amount of attention. They are less likely than stimulants to trigger agitation or rapid heart rate since they do not increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) as well as clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be utilized to treat ADHD and anxiety, such as behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance teach techniques to reduce anxiety, including mindfulness, deep breathing, and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety, and in those cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and suffer less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To get the best results, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment the first time.