ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Around 80percent of people suffering from ADHD suffer from another mental health issue, such as anxiety. Certain ADHD medications, like stimulants, can help ease anxiety symptoms.
Consult a psychiatrist to get an assessment and treatment plan. It will take time and some testing to figure out which medication and dosage is the best for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a drug that increases the levels of chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They help regulate executive and attention. These drugs are often the first treatment recommended for those suffering from ADHD and can also be used to treat coexisting anxiety-related symptoms. The medications can cause a variety of side effects that range from mild stimulation to euphoria, based on the dose and the drug.
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety as a complication of stimulant medication. Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate and can interfere with sleep. It can also trigger physical signs, such as sweating or muscle tension, which can affect a person’s mood. Stimulants can also increase blood pressure and heart rates. If the side effects are a problem, the doctor may decide to reduce the dosage or switch medications.
It is essential to talk to your doctor about the effects of anxiety and ADHD medication on each other. There are ways to minimize the effects of both conditions, for instance cognitive behavior therapy and exercise. In how does medication for adhd work , doctors may recommend nonstimulant medications or combination treatments. This includes therapy, non-stimulants and non-stimulants.
ADHD isn't addressed similarly to medication used to treat anxiety disorders. This is because attention and anxiety issues can have different root causes. In certain instances, mental health professionals may utilize antidepressants to treat anxiety or an ADHD combination medication like atomoxetine (Strattera) or viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD. In general, a physician will focus on the disorder that has a greater impact on a person's day-to-day functioning according to Streeter.
A lifestyle change can improve the internal environment of an individual, which could reduce anxiety and other symptoms. For instance eating a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables can ease anxiety and depression. Regular exercise, healthy sleep habits, and limiting caffeine and sugar can also help. Mindfulness and reducing stress can also be helpful. Certain people suffering from anxiety can benefit by tapping techniques such as EFT or the Emotional Free Technique. These involve placing your fingertips on specific points of the body to ease anxiety and stress. Other methods that are natural include meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.