Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
Both ADHD and anxiety can be treated using medications. There are many ADHD medications that can also help alleviate anxiety symptoms, and vice in reverse.
Stimulants such as atomoxetine (Prozac) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate attention and mood. Adults with ADHD and anxiety are usually the first to be prescribed these drugs.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD and can be effective at treating anxiety that is comorbid. They help to speed up the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps increase focus, attention and impulse control. Additionally, stimulants can aid in reducing anxiety by reducing heart rate and blood pressure and increasing serotonin levels.
Amphetamines as well as methylphenidate are the most common stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are typically prescribed in the short-acting type and must be taken 2-3 times per day, however there are also long-acting versions of these medications that last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day. These medications can trigger adverse reactions, such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping, or a loss of appetite. These medications can also trigger headaches and tics.
In some cases, stimulants may worsen anxiety symptoms. They are not recommended to those suffering from bipolar or anxiety disorders. They can also be addictive, and have been associated with suicidal ideas and attempts in adolescents. Doctors often prescribe a mix therapy and nonstimulant medication to treat ADHD and anxiety.
When you are trying to determine the most effective medication for anxiety and ADHD, your doctor will look at your particular symptoms, the causes of them, and how they interact with each with each other. They may also look at alternative treatment approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
Non-stimulant drugs, which do not have the same negative side effects as stimulants, are often preferred to treat ADHD and anxiety in adults. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are two examples of non-stimulant medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD and can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. These medications increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter, norepinephrine and can aid in improving the control of impulses as well as attention span and mood regulation. These medications don't suppress appetite or trigger jitters and shaking, which are common negative side effects of stimulants.
It can be difficult to manage anxiety and ADHD simultaneously, but with the right help it is possible. The health professionals who are board-certified on Klarity have extensive experience in treating patients suffering from these two common ailments and can provide you with the strategies to conquer them. With Klarity, you can have your first virtual appointment with a healthcare professional within 24 hours receiving the diagnosis and prescription, and pick up your medication at the pharmacy of your choice from the comfort of home. Find out how simple it is for you to begin your ADHD and anxiety treatment.