adhd adult medication For Adults With Anxiety
As high as 50% of those with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Treatment options for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can be effective in enhancing focus and attention. They work by keeping the receptors that are already "fired up" in your brain "turned-on". They may trigger tics, and also increase your heart rate.
Stimulants
Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medications doctors typically use when treating ADHD. These drugs work quickly to increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in certain people by boosting norepinephrine levels. Most stimulant drugs are controlled substances and can lead to dependence and abuse. However certain adults find that they are able to take them with ease. Initial insomnia may be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleep patterns. This can be controlled by taking the medication only once per day, instead of taking it three or four times a week, and by establishing a regular sleeping schedule.
Potential side effects from stimulants include a sudden increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and changes in vision or hearing. They can also cause weight loss or anorexia, especially when they are consumed in large doses. In addition, stimulants can worsen mood lability in some people and cause manic or psychotic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated for people with Tourette’s disorder, bipolar disorders or severe anorexia. The stimulants can trigger mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these situations it is crucial to gradually decrease the dosage.
People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to help treat anxiety. Antidepressants like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example are able to help with depression and anxiety that are related to ADHD. These medications are usually prescribed "off-label", for ADHD. Certain doctors also prescribe them to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take longer to take effect, but they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They don't affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as significantly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause an increase in heart rate or cause agitation. Medications that belong to this class of drugs are strattera (atomoxetine) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay and Intuniv) and Guanfacine ER (Intuniv and Tenex).
A combination of strategies can be employed to treat ADHD and anxiety, which includes behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Research has shown that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance teach techniques to reduce anxiety, like mindfulness, deep breathing and techniques for calming. In cases where children with ADHD have anxiety problems it is recommended to treat the ADHD prior to prescribing an SSRI. This will help the child focus better at school and will experience less anxiety that is related to ADHD. To achieve the best results it is essential to keep attending therapy sessions regularly. A doctor could prescribe a psychiatric drug to treat anxiety, if needed. This may be a tricyclic antidepressant like Tofranil. If anxiety is not treated, it can interfere with a child's ability to take part in therapy and gain benefits from it. This is why it is essential to establish the diagnosis and treatment right, the first time.