Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Could Be Greater Dangerous Than You Think
Why Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Could Be Greater Dangerous Than You Think
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Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety
Up to 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment approaches for managing both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can increase focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may cause tics and raise your heart rate.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD, doctors often start with stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines. These drugs work quickly to improve focus and reduce impulsivity. They can help reduce anxiety in some people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances, and are prone to dependence and abuse. However some adults have found that they can take them without issue. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication every day, instead of three or four times per week, and by establishing regular sleeping patterns.
Possible side effects of stimulants can include a sudden rise in blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and changes in hearing or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia particularly when used in high doses. In addition, stimulants can increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain people and make manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for those with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can also occur when stimulants are suddenly stopped. In these instances it is essential to gradually reduce the dose.
People with ADHD may be prescribed medications to treat anxiety. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs such Sertraline and Fluoxetine can aid in the treatment of anxiety related to ADHD as well as depression. These medications are often prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however this practice is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to work however they can help reduce impulsivity and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause an increase in heart rate or agitation because they do not increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This class of drugs includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex).
A variety of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, including behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. The most effective treatment for ADHD and anxiety is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example teach techniques to reduce anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In these cases, the best strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to concentrate better in school and experience fewer ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. It is crucial to attend therapy regularly to reap the maximum benefits. A doctor could prescribe a different psychiatric medication to treat website anxiety, if needed. This could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If the anxiety is not addressed, it could affect a child's capacity to take part in therapy and gain benefit from it. It is crucial to get the diagnosis right and the treatment right the first time.