ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Up to 80% of people with ADHD are also suffering from a mental health issue like anxiety. Certain ADHD medications, like stimulants, can help ease anxiety symptoms.
Talk to a psychiatrist in order to get an assessment and treatment plan. It may take a while and some experimentation to find the right dosage and medicine that is appropriate for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a kind of medication that increases the amount of chemicals in the brain referred to as neurotransmitters. These chemicals help regulate the executive and attention functions. These medications are usually prescribed as the initial treatment for ADHD and may also be used to treat anxiety-related symptoms that can be present. The medications can cause various side effects that range from mild stimulation to euphoria depending on the drug and dose.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety as a side-effect of stimulant drugs. Anxiety can cause a person to be unable to concentrate and affect sleep. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as muscle tension and sweating, and alter a person's mood. In addition, stimulants can increase blood pressure and heart rate. If the side effects are a problem, the doctor may decide to reduce the dosage or switch medications.
It is crucial to discuss with your doctor the effects of anxiety and ADHD medications on one another. There are ways to mitigate the effects of both conditions on each other, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. In some cases the doctor might recommend non-stimulant medications or combination treatments, including non-stimulants and therapy.
Treatments for anxiety disorders are not as effective in treating ADHD. This is because attention and anxiety problems can have different root causes. Mental health professionals might utilize antidepressants to treat anxiety and ADHD combination medications, such as atomoxetine or viloxazine, for treating ADHD. In general, a physician will focus on the condition which has a greater impact on a person's daily functioning, according to Streeter.
A lifestyle change can improve the internal environment of the person, which may reduce anxiety and other symptoms. For instance eating a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables can reduce anxiety and depression. non stimulant adhd medication , good sleep habits, and avoiding caffeine and sugar can help. Mindfulness and reducing stress can also be beneficial. Some people who suffer with anxiety can benefit from tapping techniques like EFT, or the Emotional Free Technique. You place your fingertips on specific points on your body to relieve anxiety and stress. Other methods that are natural include yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises.