Ten Medication For ADHD And Anxiety Myths That Aren't Always True

Medication For ADHD and Anxiety

The most common medication for ADHD is stimulants, such as the methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These drugs boost and regulate levels of brain chemicals.

However, these medications can cause side effects like jitteriness and increased heart rate that can cause anxiety-related symptoms to worsen. Therefore, these medications are typically not prescribed for people with coexisting anxiety and ADHD.

Stimulants

Medications used to treat ADHD can reduce anxiety in people with the condition. They are not a cure, so you should also keep pursuing therapy or other treatments in addition to taking the medication. If you experience severe side effects or affect your daily routine, talk to your doctor about changing your dosage or trying a different medication.

Amphétamines (Adderall) and methylphenidate are two of most commonly prescribed medications by doctors to treat ADHD. These medications work by increasing the quantity of chemicals in the brain involved in paying attention to thoughts, organizing thoughts and regulating impulses.

However, these medicines can also cause undesirable side effects, such as anxiety, jitteriness, an increase in heart rate and nervousness. These symptoms can mimic the symptoms of anxiety or worsen the symptoms of anxiety and that's the reason medical professionals typically do not prescribe ADHD stimulant drugs like mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine to those suffering from an anxiety disorder.

It is important to speak with your doctor about any restrictions you have prior to starting treatment. These medications can cause adverse reactions when used in conjunction with certain drinks and foods. Tell your doctor if you are taking any prescription or supplements, and if you have any health conditions or lifestyle choices that could affect the medication's effectiveness.

adhd medication list 's not uncommon for people to have a co-occurring anxiety disorder that is accompanied by ADHD. In fact, around half of all people with ADHD have at least one comorbid anxiety disorder. The treatment of ADHD symptoms can help to ease anxiety, as treating the executive function problems of ADHD can ease stress related to time management and organizational issues according to Claire Streeter, PMHNP, ARNP, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.

A few of the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications, such as dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are also effective for treating anxiety. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can improve concentration and control your impulses. They also have a calming effect and may lower blood pressure and heart rate. The majority of doctors prescribe long-acting or extended-release formulations of these medications, which build up in the bloodstream over a longer period of time. This decreases the frequency of symptoms that happen as the medication wears away and stops anxiety from increasing. Streeter explains that these medications are less likely to cause a "rebound" affect that could make ADHD or anxiety symptoms worse once the medication has gone.