Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants, such as the methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase and regulate levels of brain chemicals.
However, these medications may cause adverse effects such as anxiety and jitteriness that can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. These medications are not usually prescribed to those with both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
The drugs used to treat ADHD may help reduce anxiety in people suffering from the condition. the full report 't an answer to the problem, so you should continue to receive treatment or other methods in addition to taking the medication. If you or your child experience adverse reactions that are severe or disrupt your daily routine discuss with your doctor about adjusting your dose or trying a different drug.
Commonly prescribed medications for ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase the availability of brain chemicals involved in paying attention, organizing thoughts and controlling impulses.
However, these medications can cause unwanted side effects, like anxiety, jitteriness, an increase in heart rate, and anxiety. These symptoms can mimic the symptoms of anxiety or exacerbate 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 people with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
It is important to speak with your doctor regarding any restrictions you may have prior to beginning treatment. These medications can cause adverse reactions when taken with certain beverages and foods. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other supplements or prescription medications you're taking, as well as any medical conditions or lifestyle factors that could influence how the medication functions.
It's not uncommon for people to have a co-occurring anxiety disorder that is accompanied by ADHD. In fact, approximately half of people who suffer from ADHD have at least one anxiety disorder that is comorbid. Controlling ADHD symptoms can help ease anxiety, as treating the executive function problems of ADHD can alleviate stress related to organizational skills and time management issues, says Claire Streeter, PMHNP, ARNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.
A few of the most well-known drugs for ADHD are also effective as anxiety medication such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine. These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can improve concentration and manage your impulses. They also provide a relaxing effect and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. The majority of doctors prescribe long-acting or extended-release versions of these medications that are absorbed into the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. This reduces the peaks of symptoms that happen when the medication wears off and stops anxiety from increasing. 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 worn off.