ADHD and Anxiety Medication
Around 80% of people suffer from another mental condition such as anxiety. Certain ADHD medications, like stimulants, may help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Talk to a psychiatrist for diagnosis and a treatment plan. It may take a while and some trial and error to figure the right dosage and medicine that is best for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to regulate executive and attention functions. These medications are usually prescribed as the first treatment for ADHD and can also be employed to treat anxiety symptoms that may be present. The medications can cause various side effects ranging from mild stimulation to euphoria based on the dosage and drug.
Many people with ADHD experience anxiety as a side-effect of stimulant medications. Anxiety can affect the ability to focus and can interfere with sleep. It can also trigger physical signs, such as sweating or muscle tension which can affect a person’s mood. The stimulants can also raise blood pressure and heart rates. If side effects are bothersome the doctor might decide to lower the dosage or switch to another medication.
It's important to talk to an expert about how ADHD and anxiety medications affect each other. There are methods to reduce the effects of both conditions on each other, for instance, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. In some instances doctors may suggest non-stimulant medication or combination treatments, which include non-stimulants as well as therapy.
Medications used to treat anxiety disorders are not as effective in treating ADHD. This is because attention and anxiety problems may have different root causes. In some instances mental health professionals can employ antidepressants to treat anxiety or an ADHD combination medication like atomoxetine (Strattera) or viloxazine (Qelbree) to treat ADHD. adhd medication uk for adults states that a doctor will typically focus on the condition that has the greatest impact on a patient's everyday functioning.
A change in lifestyle can improve the internal environment of a person, which can reduce anxiety and other symptoms. For instance eating a diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables can ease anxiety and depression. Regular exercise, good sleep habits, and avoiding caffeine and sugar can also help. Mindfulness training and reducing stress are also beneficial. Certain people suffering from anxiety may benefit tapping techniques, like the Emotional Freedom Technique (or EFT. This involves placing your fingers on specific points on your body to ease anxiety and stress. Other natural methods include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.