Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
Stimulants like methylphenidates, Adderall and dextroamphetamines are the most common treatments for ADHD. These drugs boost and balance levels of brain chemicals.
These medications can trigger side-effects like jitteriness or increased heart rate, which can increase anxiety symptoms. These medications are not typically prescribed to people who have both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
The drugs used to treat ADHD can help reduce anxiety among people with the condition. However, they're not an effective treatment for the disorder, therefore it's crucial to stick with therapy sessions or other treatments in addition to taking your medication. If you or your child experiences side effects that are severe or disrupt your daily routine, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose or experimenting with a different drug.
adhd treatment medication that doctors prescribe for ADHD include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase the availability of brain chemicals that are involved in paying attention, organizing thoughts, and regulating impulses.
But these medicines can have undesirable side effects, such as anxiety, jitteriness, an increase in heart rate and nervousness. These symptoms may resemble symptoms of anxiety, or even worsen an existing anxiety disorder, which is why medical providers typically don't prescribe ADHD stimulant medications such as mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine to patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
It's crucial to speak with your doctor about any restrictions you have before starting treatment. These medications can cause adverse reactions if taken with certain foods and beverages. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other supplements or over-the-counter medications you're taking, as well as any medical conditions or lifestyle factors that could influence how the medication performs.
It's not unusual for people to suffer from a co-occurring anxiety disorder along with ADHD. About half of people with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Controlling ADHD symptoms may help reduce anxiety. Treatment of executive function issues related to ADHD can ease anxiety associated with 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.
A few of the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others, are also effective for treating anxiety. These medications work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which can improve concentration and control impulses. They can also reduce blood pressure and heart rates and can have a calming effect. These medications are usually prescribed in prolonged-release or long-acting formulations, which are able to build over a longer period. This decreases the frequency of symptoms that can occur as the medication wears away and prevents anxiety from increasing. Streeter explains that these drugs are less likely to cause an "rebound" affect, which could make ADHD or anxiety symptoms worse once the medication has been taken off.