5 The 5 Reasons Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is Actually A Good Thing

5 The 5 Reasons Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is Actually A Good Thing

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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety

Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of adults who have ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both conditions.

Stimulants can increase focus and concentration. They work by keeping activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause tics and may increase the heart rate.

Stimulants

Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medication doctors usually try to treat ADHD. These drugs work quickly to enhance focus and decrease impulsivity. Some people are able to reduce anxiety by increasing the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults are tolerant of them. Initial insomnia could be caused by the drug wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication once per day, instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by creating an established sleeping routine.

Stimulants can cause negative side effects like an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats and changes in vision or sound. They can also trigger weight loss and anorexia, particularly when taken in high doses. The stimulants can also cause mood instability in certain people, and cause psychotic or manic-like symptoms to appear. They are not recommended for people who suffer from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. The mood swings can occur when stimulants are suddenly removed. In these situations it is essential to slowly reduction in the dose.

Medications to treat anxiety that aren't related to ADHD can be prescribed to those suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them to treat ADHD however, research in the field does not support this practice.

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD are slower to work but they can aid in reducing the impulsivity of children and improve focus. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. The medications that fall under this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine), clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).

Combinations of strategies, including the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medication, can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can reduce anxiety in people, such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also have problems with anxiety. In those cases, the best strategy is here to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will help the child be more focused at school and suffer less anxiety due to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to take part in therapy sessions regularly. A doctor may prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety when needed. It could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it may hinder the ability of a child to participate in and benefit from therapy. It is important to determine the cause and the correct treatment the first time.