Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
Medications that treat ADHD generally work well for anxiety, too. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine increase levels of certain brain neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine and antidepressants may also help.
In some cases stimulant medications can cause anxiety to worsen. If this is the case, then your doctor may prescribe a different medication or switch medications.
Stimulants
Stimulants are typically the treatment of choice for those with ADHD who also have anxiety. They are believed to ease the symptoms of both ADHD and anxiety by increasing the brain's natural production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes concentration, decreases impulsivity and helps with motivation and memory.
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and amphetamines block the reuptake process of norepinephrine and dopamine, which keeps them at higher levels in the brain. This improves focus and reduces the tendency to be impulsive which makes it easier for you to control anger and other emotions that can cause anxiety.
They can also cause an unintended side effect which is that they can occasionally increase anxiety symptoms. They can also trigger sleep problems, meaning that you or your child may struggle to get enough restful sleep. Additionally, they may cause a decrease in appetite, which can interfere with eating enough for healthy growth. Some people experience tics as well, which are sudden sounds or movements like blinking of the eyes or clearing of the throat. These side effects, although frequent, can be lowered or eliminated with a few simple techniques.
It's important to remember that each person responds differently stimulants or non-stimulant ADHD medication. It might take some trial and error with different dosages, schedules and medications to find the right combination that is effective for you or your child.
When determining an appropriate treatment plan, your healthcare provider will consider your specific health issues and life style. They may recommend treatments to ease anxiety and monitor your response to medication to determine the best treatment options for you.
Some ADHD medications may interact with medication used to treat anxiety. For example, Adderall can make anxiety more severe in children with co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. This is because psychostimulants affect the way the brain processes information about potential threats in the external and internal environment It is possible that they can affect the normal process of processing.
However this doesn't mean ADHD and anxiety aren't treated in tandem. It's possible that treating ADHD symptoms can help to reduce anxiety. adhd medication names is because they can reduce the number and intensity of anxiety-inducing situations children with ADHD face.
Psychostimulants are generally effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, as per numerous studies. They are generally more effective for both disorders than conventional antianxiety medication. It's possible that the reduction of anxiety with psychostimulants was due to the improvement in ADHD symptoms, rather than the medication itself.