adhd medication adults For Adults With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Treatment strategies for both conditions include medication and therapy.
Stimulants can increase concentration and focus. They work by keeping already activated receptors in your brain "turned on" or "fired up." They can cause the tics of your brain and can increase your heart rate a little.
Stimulants
When treating ADHD the doctors usually begin with stimulants like methylphenidates or amphetamines. These drugs are effective in helping increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity. They can also reduce anxiety in some people by boosting norepinephrine levels. The majority of stimulant medications are controlled substances and carry the risk of addiction and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. Initial insomnia could be caused by the medication wear off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be lowered by taking the medication one time per day instead of taking it three or four times per week, and by creating an established sleeping routine.
Stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as a sudden rise in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and changes in sound or vision. They may also trigger weight loss or anorexia especially when they are taken at high doses. Additionally, stimulants can increase the likelihood of mood instability in certain individuals and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are contraindicated in people with Tourette's disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. They can cause mood swings when suddenly stopped. In these situations it is crucial to slowly reduction in the dose.
Treatments for anxiety that are different than ADHD can be prescribed to people with the disorder. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine, for example, can help with anxiety and depression associated with ADHD. These drugs are typically prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. Some doctors prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by medical research.
Non-stimulant medicines for ADHD are slower to work however they can reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase attention. They are less likely than stimulants to cause anxiety or a rapid heart rate because they don't 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 behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medications. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is using a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy assists in teaching skills that can aid in reducing anxiety like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also suffer from anxiety. In these instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will allow the child to concentrate better at school and experience less ADHD-related anxiety symptoms. To reap the maximum benefits it is crucial to attend therapy sessions regularly. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat the anxiety. It could be a tricyclic antidepressant such as Tofranil. If anxiety is not addressed, it can interfere with the child's ability to take part in and benefit from therapy. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment the first time.