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 balance levels of brain chemicals.
However, these medications may cause side effects such as anxiety and jitteriness which can aggravate anxiety symptoms. These medications are not typically prescribed to those who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety.
Stimulants
The medications used to treat ADHD can reduce anxiety in people with the condition. However, they are not an effective treatment for the disorder, and it's crucial to stick with therapy sessions or other treatment methods in addition to taking your medication. If treating adhd without medication or your child experience side effects that are severe or interfere with daily life discuss with your doctor about adjusting the dosage or experimenting with a different drug.
Common medications that doctors prescribe for ADHD include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamines (Adderall). These medications increase the supply of brain chemicals that are involved with paying attention, organizing thought, and controlling impulses.
However, these medicines can also cause unwanted side effects, like anxiety, jitteriness, an increase in heart rate, and anxiety. These symptoms may resemble symptoms of anxiety or exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety, which is why medical professionals typically do not prescribe ADHD stimulant medications like mixed amphetamine salts or atomoxetine to patients with a diagnosed anxiety disorder.
These types of medications also can have adverse reactions with certain beverages or foods, so it's important to discuss these restrictions with your doctor prior to beginning treatment. Also, you should inform your doctor about any other supplements or over-the-counter medications you're taking, and any medical conditions or lifestyle factors that might affect the way your medication functions.
It's not uncommon for people to have a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety and ADHD. In fact, approximately half of people who suffer from ADHD have at least one anxiety disorder that is comorbid. Controlling ADHD symptoms can help reduce anxiety, since treating the executive function problems of ADHD can reduce stress due to organizational skills and time management issues according to Claire Streeter, PMHNP, ARNP psychiatrist and mental health nurse practitioner working with Charlie Health Psychiatric Mental Health Services.
Some of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications, such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and others, are also effective anxiety medications. These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can improve concentration and control your impulses. They also have a calming effect and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. The majority of doctors prescribe long-acting or extended-release versions of these medications that build up in the bloodstream over a longer amount of time. This helps reduce the peak of symptoms that happen as the medication wears off and stops anxiety from increasing. Streeter explains that these drugs are less likely to trigger an "rebound" affect which could make ADHD or anxiety symptoms worse after the medication has been taken off.