ADHD and Anxiety Medication
As high as 80% suffer from another mental illness, such as anxiety. Certain ADHD medication, like stimulants, may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Talk to a psychiatrist in order to determine an assessment and treatment plan. It will take some time and some trial and error to figure out what medicine and dosage is appropriate for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a kind of drug that increases the levels of chemical substances in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals help regulate the executive and attention functions. These drugs are often the first treatment recommended for people with ADHD, and they can also be employed to treat coexisting anxiety-related symptoms. The drugs can trigger various side effects that range from mild stimulation to euphoria based on the dose and the drug.
Many people with ADHD experience anxiety as a side effect of stimulant medications. Anxiety can cause a person to be unable to concentrate and may affect sleep. It can also trigger physical symptoms, such as muscle tension and sweating, and affect a person's mood. They can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. If side effects are bothersome the doctor might decide to reduce the dosage or switch medications.
It is crucial to discuss with your doctor the effects of anxiety and ADHD medication on each other. There are adhd and anxiety medication to reduce the impact of both conditions, for instance cognitive behavior therapy and exercise. In certain instances, a doctor may recommend non-stimulant medication or combination treatments, such as non-stimulants and therapy.
ADHD isn't addressed as well by the medications that are used to treat anxiety disorders. This is because anxiety and attention problems can have various causes. In some instances mental health professionals can utilize antidepressants to treat anxiety, and an ADHD combination medication, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) or viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD. In general, a provider will focus on the condition that has a greater impact on the person's day-to-day functioning, says Streeter.
Lifestyle changes can improve a person's internal environment which can reduce anxiety and other symptoms. For example eating a balanced diet of whole grains, fruits and vegetables can reduce depression and anxiety. Regular exercise, healthy sleeping habits, and limiting sugar and caffeine can also help. Stress reduction and mindfulness can also be helpful. Certain people suffering from anxiety may benefit from tapping techniques, like the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT. These involve placing your fingertips on specific points of the body to release anxiety and stress. Meditation, yoga and deep breath exercises are also natural methods.