Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
The most frequently prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants, like methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These medications balance brain chemicals and increase levels of the brain.
However, these medications can cause adverse effects such as jitteriness and increased heart rate which can aggravate anxiety symptoms. This is why these medications are usually not recommended for those who have co-existing anxiety and ADHD.
Stimulants
adhd without medication used to treat ADHD can reduce anxiety in people suffering from the condition. They're not an answer to the problem, so you must keep pursuing therapy or other treatments in addition to taking the medication. If you experience severe side effects or affect your daily routine, talk with your doctor about changing your dosage or experimenting with a different drug.
Amphétamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate are two of most common medications prescribed by doctors for ADHD. These drugs increase the availability of chemicals in the brain that are involved in focusing to thoughts, organizing thoughts, and controlling impulses.
However, these medicines can also cause undesirable side effects, such as the feeling of jitteriness, heart rate increase, and nervousness. These symptoms may resemble symptoms of anxiety, or even worsen the symptoms of anxiety, which is why medical professionals typically do not prescribe ADHD stimulant medications such as mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine to those suffering from an anxiety disorder.
These types of medications also could cause adverse reactions when combined with certain beverages or foods, so it's important to discuss these restrictions with your doctor prior to beginning treatment. Also, you should inform your doctor about any other supplements or prescription drugs you're taking, as well as any health issues or lifestyle factors that could affect how well the medication performs.
It's not uncommon for individuals to have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety and ADHD. In fact, about half of those with ADHD have at least one anxiety disorder that is comorbid. Managing ADHD symptoms can help ease anxiety. Treatment of executive function issues associated with ADHD can ease stress associated with time management and organizational skills, says 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 well-known medications for ADHD are also effective as an anxiety medication like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine. These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve your concentration and control your impulses. These medications can also lower blood pressure and heart rate and can have a calming effect. A majority of doctors prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these drugs, which build up in the bloodstream over a longer period of time. This decreases the frequency of symptoms that happen as the medication wears away and stops anxiety from increasing. They are also less likely to trigger the "rebound" effect that can cause ADHD and anxiety symptoms worse after they've worn off, explains Streeter.