Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
Stimulants, such as methylphenidates Adderall and dextroamphetamines are some of the most common medications for ADHD. These medications increase and balance levels of brain chemicals.
However, these drugs can cause side effects like jitteriness and increased heart rate that can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. These medications are not typically prescribed to people who have both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
The medicines used to treat ADHD may help alleviate anxiety among those suffering from the condition. However, they are not an effective treatment for the disorder, so it's important to follow through with therapy sessions or other treatments in addition to taking your medication. If you or your child experiences side effects that are severe or affect your daily life discuss with your doctor about adjusting your dose or experimenting with a different drug.
best medication for adhd (Adderall) and methylphenidate are among the most common medications prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These medications increase the supply of brain chemicals that are involved with paying attention, organizing thoughts, and controlling impulses.
But these medicines can have undesired side effects, including jitteriness, increased heart rate, and nervousness. These symptoms can mimic the symptoms of anxiety, or even worsen an existing anxiety disorder and that's the reason medical professionals typically do not prescribe ADHD stimulant drugs like mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine to patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
These types of medications also can have adverse reactions with certain beverages or foods, so it's important to discuss these restrictions with your doctor prior beginning treatment. Also, you should inform your doctor about any other supplements or over-the-counter medicines you're taking as well as any medical conditions or lifestyle factors that may influence how the medication performs.
It's not uncommon for people to suffer from both anxiety disorders and ADHD. In fact, approximately half of all people with ADHD have at least one anxiety disorder that is comorbid. Managing ADHD symptoms may help ease anxiety. Treatment of executive function issues related to ADHD can ease stress caused by time management and organizational skills, according to Claire Streeter PMHNP, ARNP. She is a psychiatrist and mental health nurse practitioner at Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.
A few of the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication, like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others, are also effective anxiety medications. These medications work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which can enhance concentration and control of impulses. They can also reduce blood pressure and heart rates and have a calming affect. These medications are usually prescribed in long-acting or prolonged-release formulations that build over a longer period. This minimizes the peaks and valleys of symptoms that can occur when the medication wears off and prevents anxiety from becoming worse as the medication wears off. These medications are also less likely to cause the "rebound" effect which can make ADHD and anxiety symptoms worse after wearing off, says Streeter.