Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety Anxiety disorders affect up to 50 percent of the adults who suffer from ADHD. Both medication and therapy are effective treatments for both conditions. add adhd medication can help improve focus and concentration. 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 Stimulants like amphetamines and methylphenidates, are the first medication doctors typically use when treating ADHD. These drugs act quickly to improve concentration and reduce the amount of impulsivity. Some people can reduce anxiety by boosting the level of norepinephrine. Most stimulant medications are controlled substances and carry the risk of dependence and abuse. Some adults tolerate them well. Initial insomnia can be caused by the medication wearing off or a change in sleeping patterns. This can be reduced by taking the medication every day, instead of taking it three or more times per week, and by establishing an established sleeping routine. Stimulants can trigger adverse effects, such as an abrupt increase in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or changes in hearing or vision. They also can cause weight loss or anorexia, particularly if they are taken at high doses. In addition, stimulants may cause a rise in mood lability in certain individuals and cause psychotic or manic symptoms appear. They are not recommended for people with bipolar disorder, or severe anorexia. Mood swings can occur when stimulants are abruptly stopped. In these instances, it is important that you gradually reduce the dose. People with ADHD might be prescribed medication to treat anxiety. Antidepressants such as Sertraline or Fluoxetine for instance, can help with depression and anxiety that are associated with ADHD. These medications are typically prescribed off-label for ADHD. Some doctors also prescribe these medications to treat ADHD however, this usage is not supported by research in medical science. Non-stimulant ADHD medicines are slower to act however they can help reduce the tendency to be impulsive and increase concentration. They do not affect the level of norepinephrine in the brain as strongly as stimulants, and they are less likely to cause rapid heart rate or cause agitation. This class of medications includes strattera (atomoxetine) and Clonidine (Kapvay, Intuniv), and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex). Combinations of strategies, like cognitive-behavioral treatment, behavior therapy, and medications can be used to treat ADHD and anxiety. Research has proven that the most effective treatment is the combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, for example, teach skills that reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming techniques. Some children with ADHD also struggle with anxiety. In those instances, the most effective strategy is to treat the ADHD first, and then to prescribe an SSRI for anxiety. This will enable the child to focus better in school and experience fewer anxiety-related symptoms associated with ADHD. It is important to attend therapy regularly to get the most benefit. Then, if needed doctors may recommend an additional psychiatric medication to combat anxiety. This could be a tricyclic like Tofranil. If anxiety isn't treated, it can interfere with the child's ability to benefit from therapy. This is why it is essential to get the diagnosis and treatment right the first time.
add adhd medication