Ten Medication For ADHD And Anxiety Myths That Don't Always Hold

inattentive adhd medication  For ADHD and Anxiety

The most common treatment for ADHD is stimulants like the methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals.

However, these medications may cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness that can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. These medications are not typically prescribed to those with both ADHD and anxiety.

Stimulants

Treatments for ADHD can alleviate anxiety for people suffering from the condition. They are not an answer to the problem, so you should also continue to receive treatment or other methods in addition to taking the medication. If you experience severe side effects or interfere in your daily life, speak with your physician about changing the dosage or experimenting with a different drug.

Common medications that doctors prescribe for ADHD include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase the amount of chemicals present in the brain involved in focusing, organizing thoughts, and regulating impulses.

However, these medications can cause undesired side effects, including jitteriness, increased heart rate and nervousness. These symptoms can mimic the symptoms of anxiety, or even worsen an existing anxiety disorder and that's the reason medical professionals typically do not prescribe ADHD stimulant medications like mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine to those suffering from an anxiety disorder.

It's crucial to speak with your doctor about any restrictions you have before starting treatment. These medications can also cause adverse reactions when used with certain foods and beverages. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other supplements or non-prescription drugs you're taking, and any health conditions or lifestyle factors that could influence how the medication performs.

It's not unusual for people to have a co-occurring anxiety disorder along with ADHD. About half of people who suffer from ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Controlling ADHD symptoms may help ease anxiety. The treatment of executive function issues related to ADHD can reduce stress caused by time management and organizational skills, says Claire Streeter PMHNP, ARNP. She is a psychiatrist and mental health nurse practitioner at Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.

Some of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others, are also effective anxiety medications. These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can help improve your concentration and control your impulses. They can also reduce blood pressure and heart rates and also have a relaxing effect. A majority of doctors prescribe long-acting extended-release formulations of these drugs that build up in the bloodstream over a longer period of time. This decreases the frequency of symptoms that occur as the medication wears away and stops anxiety from increasing. Streeter explains that these medications are less likely to trigger a "rebound" affect, which can make ADHD or anxiety symptoms worse after the medication has been taken off.