Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants, such as the methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals.
adhd without medication can result in side effects like jitteriness, or an increased heart rate, which may cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. These medications are not typically prescribed to people who have both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
The medications used to treat ADHD can reduce anxiety in people with the condition. However, they're not an effective treatment for the disorder, therefore it is essential to continue with therapy sessions or other methods of treatment in addition to taking your medication. If you experience severe side effects or affect your daily life, speak to your doctor about changing your dosage or trying a different medication.
Commonly prescribed medications for ADHD include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase the availability of brain chemicals involved in paying attention, organizing thought, and regulating impulses.
However, these medications can cause unwanted side effects, like the feeling of jitteriness, heart rate increase and anxiety. These symptoms can be similar to symptoms of anxiety or worsen an anxiety disorder. This is the reason why medical providers don't typically prescribe ADHD stimulant medication such as mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine, for those who suffer from an anxiety condition.
These types of medications can have adverse reactions with certain beverages or foods It's crucial to discuss these restrictions with your doctor before starting treatment. Inform your doctor if are taking any prescription or supplements or if you have any health conditions or lifestyle choices that may influence the effectiveness of your medication.
It's not unusual for people to suffer from both anxiety disorders and ADHD. About half of people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorder. Managing ADHD symptoms may help ease anxiety. Treatment of executive function issues related to ADHD can reduce anxiety caused by time management and organizational skills, says Claire Streeter PMHNP, ARNP. She is a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner at Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.
Some of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are also effective for treating anxiety. These medications work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve your concentration and control your impulses. They also provide a relaxing effect and may lower blood pressure and heart rate. Most doctors prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these drugs that are absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer period of time. This decreases the frequency of symptoms that happen when the medication wears off and stops anxiety from growing. Streeter explains that these drugs are less likely to trigger a "rebound" effect, which could cause ADHD or anxiety symptoms worse once the medication has gone.