Medications For ADHD and Anxiety
Medicines can be a crucial element of treatment for both ADHD and anxiety. There are many ADHD drugs that can also alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Stimulants such as atomoxetine and bupropion (Wellbutrin) boost the availability dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters which regulate mood and attention. They're typically prescribed first to people with ADHD and anxiety comorbidity.
Stimulants
Stimulants can be used to treat anxiety disorders that are comorbid and ADHD. They are fast-acting and help to speed up the activity of neurotransmitters inside the brain, helping to improve focus, attention, and impulse control. The stimulants can also reduce anxiety, by reducing blood pressure and heart rate and increasing levels of serotonin.
Amphetamines as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. These drugs are usually prescribed in a short-acting formulation and are required to be taken twice daily. However there are longer-acting add adhd medications that last 8-12 hours. These medications can cause adverse effects, including an increase in weight and sleepiness, or a loss of appetite. These medications can also cause tics and headaches.
In some instances stimulants can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and are not recommended for those who have an anxiety history or bipolar disorder. They can also be addictive, and have been associated with suicidal ideas and attempts in adolescents. Doctors often prescribe a mix therapy and non-stimulant medication for ADHD and anxiety.
Your doctor will take into account your symptoms, their causes and the interaction between them when determining which medication is the best for you. It is the same for anxiety or ADHD. They will also look at other treatment approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
Non-stimulant medicines, which do not have the same side-effects as stimulants, are typically preferred to treat ADHD and anxiety in adults. Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree, (viloxazine), are FDA-approved non-stimulant drugs to treat ADHD. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms. These medications increase levels of the brain neurotransmitter, norepinephrine and can improve the ability to control impulses and attention span as well as mood regulation. These medications do not suppress appetite or trigger jitters and shakiness which are typical negative side effects of stimulants.
Controlling anxiety and ADHD at the same time isn't easy but it is doable with the right support. The health professionals who are board-certified on Klarity have extensive experience in treating patients with these two common ailments and can provide you with tools to overcome these challenges. With Klarity you can make your initial virtual appointment with a provider within 24 hours receiving a diagnosis and prescription, and then pick up your medication from the pharmacy of your choice--all at the convenience of your own home. Discover how easy it is to begin your ADHD and anxiety treatment.