ADHD and Anxiety Medication
As high as 80% of people with ADHD have another mental health condition like anxiety. Certain ADHD medications, such as stimulants, can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Speak with a psychiatrist for diagnosis and a treatment plan. It may take a while and some experimentation to find the right dosage and medicine that is the best for you.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a kind of medication that increases the levels of chemical substances in the brain referred to as neurotransmitters, which help regulate attention and executive function. They are typically the first treatment prescribed for those suffering from ADHD and can also be employed to treat coexisting anxiety-related symptoms. The drugs can cause various side effects ranging from mild stimulation to euphoria depending on the dosage and drug.
Many people with ADHD have anxiety as a side effect of stimulant medication. Anxiety can make focusing difficult and interfere with sleep. It can also trigger physical symptoms, such as sweating and muscle tension, and affect a person's mood. The stimulants can also raise blood pressure and heart rates. If the adverse effects of a stimulant are bothersome, a doctor may choose to decrease the dosage or switch to another medication.
linked website that you discuss with your doctor the effects of anxiety and ADHD medications on each other. There are ways to lessen the effects of both conditions on each other, for instance, cognitive behavioral therapy and exercise. In some cases doctors may suggest non-stimulant medications or combination treatments, such as non-stimulants and therapy.
ADHD is not treated as well by the medications that are used to treat anxiety disorders. That's because anxiety and attention problems may have different causes. Mental health professionals may employ antidepressants to treat anxiety and ADHD mixture medications, such as atomoxetine or viloxazine, for treating ADHD. Streeter states that a doctor will usually focus on the condition which has the most impact on the patient's daily functioning.
Lifestyle changes can improve a person's internal environment, which can ease anxiety and other symptoms. For example eating a diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables can reduce anxiety and depression. Regular exercise, good sleeping habits, and avoiding sugar and caffeine can help. Mindfulness and reducing stress can also be helpful. Some people with anxiety can benefit tapping techniques, like the Emotional Freedom Technique (or EFT. You apply your fingertips to specific points on your body in order to release stress and anxiety. Other natural approaches include yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises.