Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
The most commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD is stimulants like methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These drugs balance brain chemicals and increase levels.
However, these drugs can cause adverse effects such as anxiety and jitteriness which can aggravate anxiety symptoms. These medications are not usually prescribed to those who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
The medicines used to treat ADHD can reduce anxiety in people suffering from the condition. But they're not a cure for the disorder, and it's crucial to stick with therapy sessions or other methods of treatment in addition to taking your medication. If you or your child suffer adverse reactions that are severe or interfere with daily life consult your physician about adjusting the dose or experimenting with a different drug.
Common medications prescribed by doctors for ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These medications increase the supply of brain chemicals that are involved with paying attention, organizing thoughts, and controlling impulses.
However, these medicines can also cause unwanted side effects, like the feeling of jitteriness, heart rate increase, and nervousness. These symptoms may resemble symptoms of anxiety or exacerbate an anxiety disorder. This is the reason why medical providers don't typically prescribe ADHD stimulant drugs like mixed amphetamine salts, or atomoxetine, to people who suffer from an anxiety condition.
It is important to speak with your doctor about any restrictions you may have prior to starting treatment. treating adhd without medication can cause adverse reactions when used with certain beverages and foods. Tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or supplements and if you suffer from any health issues or lifestyle choices that may affect the medication's effectiveness.
It's not uncommon for individuals to have a co-occurring anxiety disorder along with ADHD. About half of people with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Managing ADHD symptoms can help ease anxiety, and treating the executive function problems of ADHD can alleviate stress related to time management and organizational issues, says Claire Streeter, PMHNP, ARNP an psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner working with 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 dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can help improve your concentration and control your impulses. These drugs can also lower blood pressure and heart rate and also have a relaxing effect. These medications are usually prescribed in prolonged-release or long-acting formulations, which are able to build over a longer period. This helps reduce the peak of symptoms that occur when the medication wears off and prevents anxiety from increasing. The medications are also less likely to cause the "rebound" effect that can cause ADHD and anxiety symptoms worse after they've worn off, according to Streeter.