Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
The same drugs that treat ADHD can also be used to treat anxiety. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine and antidepressants can also aid.
In some cases, stimulant medications can worsen anxiety symptoms. If this is the case, then your doctor might prescribe a different medication or switch medications.
adhd medication list are often the medication of choice for those with ADHD who also suffer from anxiety. These medications are thought to aid in the treatment of ADHD and anxiety by increasing the brain's natural production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps in concentration, reduces impulsivity and helps with motivation and memory.
adhd otc medication as methylphenidate or amphetamines block the reuptake norepinephrine, which keeps dopamine and norepinephrine at higher levels in your brain. This improves focus and reduces impulse-driven behavior, making it easier for you to control anger and other emotions which can make anxiety worse.
Stimulants can also have unintended effects, for instance, they can sometimes increase anxiety symptoms. Your child or you may also be struggling to get enough sleep. They can also reduce appetite, which can interfere in eating enough to maintain healthy growth. Many people also experience tics, which are sudden movements or sound such as eye blinking or throat clearing. These effects, though common, can be reduced or eliminated using some simple methods.
It's important to recognize that each person reacts differently to stimulants and non-stimulant ADHD medications. It could take a bit of trial and error to determine the appropriate combination of medication dosages, schedules, and dosages for you or your children.
When developing a treatment plan, your physician will take into account your individual symptoms and life style. They'll likely suggest a therapy to address anxiety and monitor the response of your medication to determine which options are best for you.
The medications used to treat anxiety may interact with some ADHD medications. For instance, Adderall can make anxiety worse in some children with the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. This is because psychostimulants can affect how the brain processes information regarding possible threats in the external and internal environments and it's possible they may hinder this normal process.
However, this doesn't mean that ADHD and anxiety aren't treated together. It's also possible that treating ADHD symptoms can reduce anxiety, too, since they may reduce the amount of stressful situations and conflicts that children suffering from untreated ADHD confront.
Psychostimulants are generally effective in treating both ADHD and anxiety, based on several studies. They're generally more effective than traditional antianxiety medication for both disorders. It's also possible that the improvement in anxiety seen with psychostimulants is a direct result of the improvement in ADHD symptoms, not an interaction directly with the drug.