Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants like the methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These drugs balance brain chemicals and increase levels of the brain.
However, these medications may cause side effects like jitteriness and increased heart rate that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. These medications are not usually prescribed to those who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
relevant webpage used to treat ADHD can help reduce anxiety in people suffering from the condition. However, they are not a cure for the disorder, and it's important to follow through with therapy sessions or other treatments in addition to taking your medication. If you experience severe side effects or disrupt your daily life, speak to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different drug.
Common medications that doctors prescribe for ADHD include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These medications increase the supply of brain chemicals that are involved with paying attention, organizing thoughts, and regulating impulses.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as an increase in heart rate and jitteriness. These symptoms can mimic the symptoms of anxiety or worsen an existing anxiety disorder and that's the reason medical providers typically don't prescribe ADHD stimulant medications like mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine to patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
It's important to talk with your doctor regarding any restrictions you may have prior to beginning treatment. These medications may also cause adverse reactions when taken with certain beverages and foods. Tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or supplements or if you have any health conditions or lifestyle choices that could impact the effectiveness of the medication.
It's not unusual for people to have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety and ADHD. In fact, approximately half of all people with ADHD have at least one comorbid anxiety disorder. Managing ADHD symptoms may help reduce anxiety. Treatment of executive function issues associated with ADHD can ease anxiety related to time management and organizational abilities, says Claire Streeter PMHNP, ARNP. She is a psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner at Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.
A few of the most well-known medications for ADHD are also effective as an anxiety medication, such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which could enhance concentration and control of impulses. They also provide a relaxing effect and may lower blood pressure and heart rate. A majority of doctors prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these drugs that are absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. This helps reduce the peak and valleys of symptoms that occur when the medication wears off and prevents anxiety from becoming worse as the medication is worn off. Streeter explains that these drugs are less likely to cause an "rebound" effect which can cause ADHD or anxiety symptoms worse after the medication has worn off.