5 Arguments Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is A Good Thing
5 Arguments Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Is A Good Thing
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Therapy and medication are effective treatments for both conditions.
Stimulants are effective in improving attention and focus. They work by keeping activated brain receptors "turned on" or "fired up." They are often associated with an increase in your heart rate slightly.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the first medications doctors will typically try when treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. They can help alleviate anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant drugs are controlled substances and therefore carry a risk of addiction and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to take them without issue. They do tend to cause insomnia at first, which may be due to a rebound of ADHD symptoms after the medication is taken off or to an alteration in sleep patterns. This can be lowered by taking the drug only every day, instead of three or four times, and also by developing regular sleeping routines.
Stimulants can have adverse effects, such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia especially when they are taken at high doses. Stimulants can also worsen mood instability in some people, and cause manic or psychotic symptoms to develop. They are not recommended for those suffering from bipolar disorders, or severe anorexia. Stimulants can cause mood swings when abruptly stopped. In these situations, it is important to gradually decrease in the dosage.
The use of medications to treat anxiety that are different than ADHD could be used to treat people suffering from the condition. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance can be helpful with depression and anxiety that are that are related to ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe them for ADHD however, research in the field does not support this practice.
Non-stimulant ADHD medicines take longer to take effect however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They do not affect the level of norepinephrine in the read more brain as strongly as stimulants do, and they are less likely to trigger an increase in heart rate or agitation. Drugs that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) and clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and guanfacine E.R. (Intuniv and Tenex).
Combinations of strategies, like the use of cognitive-behavioral treatments, behavior therapy, and medications, can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination medication and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy helps teach skills that can reduce anxiety in people by incorporating techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation and calming techniques. In the event that children suffering from ADHD suffer from anxiety issues, it is best to treat the ADHD before prescribing an SSRI. This will allow the child to focus better at school and suffer less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To achieve the best results, it is important to attend therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to treat anxiety. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant, like Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it could hinder the child's ability to benefit from therapy. It is essential to get the diagnosis right and the correct treatment the first time.