Medication For ADHD and Anxiety
The most frequently prescribed medication for ADHD is stimulants, like methylphenidates (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamines (Adderall). These medications balance brain chemicals and increase levels of the brain.
These medications can cause side-effects such as jitteriness or an increase in heart rate, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. These medications aren't typically prescribed to people who have both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
Medications used to treat ADHD can alleviate anxiety for people suffering from the condition. However, they are not a cure for the disorder, so it's important to follow through with therapy sessions or other methods of treatment in addition to taking your medication. If side effects are severe or interfere in your daily routine, talk with your physician about changing your dosage or trying a different medication.
Common medications that doctors prescribe for ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These drugs increase the availability of brain chemicals that are involved with paying attention, organizing thoughts, and controlling impulses.
However, types of adhd medication 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 exacerbate an existing anxiety disorder, which is why doctors typically do not prescribe ADHD stimulant medications such as mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine for patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
It's crucial to speak with your doctor about any restrictions you may have prior to beginning treatment. These medications can cause adverse reactions if taken in conjunction with certain drinks and foods. You also should tell your doctor about any other supplements or non-prescription medicines you're taking as well as any health issues or lifestyle factors that might affect the way your medication performs.
It's not uncommon for people to have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety and ADHD. About half of people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorder. Managing ADHD symptoms may help ease anxiety. The treatment of executive function issues that are associated with ADHD can help reduce anxiety related to time management and organizational abilities, says Claire Streeter PMHNP, ARNP. She is a psychiatrist and mental health nurse practitioner at Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.
A few of the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are also effective for treating anxiety. These medications work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain, which could improve concentration and control impulses. They also have a calming effect and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. These drugs are usually prescribed in long-acting or prolonged-release formulations, which build over a longer period. This decreases the frequency of symptoms that happen as the medication wears away and stops anxiety from increasing. They are also less likely to trigger the "rebound" effect that can make ADHD and anxiety symptoms worse after wearing off, explains Streeter.