Which is the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety?
There are some attention deficit hyperactivity disorder drugs that not only reduce ADHD symptoms but also work brilliantly with anxiety symptoms. Although both ADHD and anxiety are completely different mental health conditions, some medicines for ADHD help manage anxiety in adults, too. Thus, drugs for the treatment of ADHD can sometimes work for anxiety, too.
Let’s explore more about the link between anxiety and ADHD and list down the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety. Stay tuned, but before that,
Contact Therapy Fleet if you suffer from ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, or any other mental health disorder. Our online mental health experts will guide you with the best treatment plan and list all your options.
What is ADHD and Anxiety?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that occurs in childhood and persists throughout life. And individuals suffering from ADHD experience;
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
- InAttention
- Difficulty organising
- Distractibility and forgetfulness
ADHD causes mood swings in adults and children, too. Whereas people with anxiety experience unwanted stress and tension about everything. They may be constantly worried and restless. They may find it difficult to control their impulses at times. Although a little anxiety is normal, people living with anxiety disorders are anxious all the time and experience feelings of fear and irritability without any triggers. Along with the psychological symptoms of anxiety, people going through an anxiety attack notice the following physical symptoms;
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Anxiety vomiting
Did you know that anxiety and ADHD co-occur at times with almost similar symptoms? This calls us to find the best ADHD medications for anxiety in adults that are used for ADHD treatment, too. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 50% of people diagnosed with ADHD also have preexisting anxiety disorder.
If you know someone suffering from ADHD plus anxiety, it is time to switch to the best ADHD medication for anxiety in adults; that way, you will kill two birds with a single arrow. If your family members are suffering from mood disorders and impulsive behavior, contact your doctor for prescription medications.
There are many ADHD drugs, especially stimulant drugs, that aggravate the symptoms of anxiety and cause depression-like Adderall. People should carefully monitor their symptoms when first starting an ADHD drug, note down the symptoms, and contact mental health care providers in case they feel their anxiety is getting difficult to manage.
Trusted Source also confirms that genetics plays a huge role in the occurrence of ADHD and other mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Factors That Contribute to the Co-occurrence of ADHD and Anxiety
Reasons why anxiety and ADHD co-occur;
- Medications for ADHD, like Ritalin, have a stimulating effect on the body and aggravate anxiety
- Genetics- research shows that gene plays a role in the co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety
- Trauma, about 12 to 37%
- Environmental factors and premature birth
Best ADHD Medication for Adults with Anxiety
ADHD drugs help the individual deal with symptoms and behaviors related to the diagnosis if the correct dosage is given. For Adderall dose, read this blog.
When the correct drug administration is made, it targets the neurotransmitters in the brain. Most drugs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the body, while others only increase norepinephrine levels.
Before we find the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety, let’s cover the two categories of ADHD drugs;
- Stimulants- first-line treatment for ADHD
- Non-stimulants
Stimulants are fast-acting, effective, and usually the first line of treatment for ADHD. However, stimulant ADHD drugs are thought to increase the symptoms of anxiety.
Also, it has a high potential for a substance use disorder, which is why the best ADHD medications for adults with anxiety are non-stimulant medications.
Examples of stimulant ADHD drugs include methylphenidate and amphetamines.
- Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride)
- Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate)
- Adderall (mix of amphetamine salts)
- Focalin
- Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) and,
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)
Non- Stimulants- The Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety
Although effective, non-stimulant medications have a slower onset rate than stimulants and, thus, are less effective. Non-stimulants take several weeks to show an effect.
The salt atomoxetine in Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which increases the levels of norepinephrine in the brain that control the symptoms of ADHD. The daily dose is once a day. Other non-stimulants are;
- Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride)
- Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)
- Intuniv (guanfacine)
- Viloxazine (Qelbree): norepinephrine modulator
- Guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv)
- Qelbree
Among all these, Strattera is the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety, according to the 2021 study; as non-stimulant drugs are not controlled, they do not cause misuse and dependence. It has fewer side effects.
Some common potential side effects are;
- Upset stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- A decrease in appetite
- Headache
- And, dry mouth
Antidepressants as ADHD Medications?
At times, your mental healthcare provider very prescribes antidepressants for managing the symptoms of ADHD. This is especially true for individuals who suffer from anxiety and depression along with ADHD.
When people do not respond to stimulant medication, or if someone’s depression is not getting controlled, then antidepressants are prescribed.
Antidepressants increase the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, similar to ADHD medications. They also have a low potential for misuse.
- Tricyclic antidepressants- TCAs lead to some serious side-effects like dry mouth and constipation
- Wellbutrin well, this medicine for anxiety and depression, is usually well tolerated by people. Some comments common side effects of Wellbutrin are sleep disturbances and tremors.
- Effexor- increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which improves mood and helps the person concentrate.
Blood Pressure Medications
- Kapvay is a Non-stimulant medication that can also be considered one of the best ADHD medications for anxiety in adults. The usual dose is .1 to 0.3 MG twice or thrice per day. The medicine remains about 12 to 16 hours in the body.
- Another blood pressure medication used as ADHD medication is Intuniv. The usual dosage of Guanfacine is between one and 4MG per day, lasting 18 hours.
- Medication is used for managing the symptoms of ADHD when the stimulants are not working well or have serious effects, leaving these the only choice for mental health professionals.
Note: Medication is used to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate, but can also cause dizziness. Take this medicine when driving or operating heavy machinery.
The Right ADHD Treatment for You
Before prescribing a medicine, healthcare providers will confirm what is causing the anxiety. Is it ADHD or otherwise? So, the first line of action is to find the primary condition causing the discomfort in the individual.
Your prescribing doctor will consider the following factors before finding the best ADHD medicine for adults with anxiety- your age, overall health condition, and preexisting mental health conditions. They will also consider the side effects and risks of the drug prescribed to you.
Monitoring the Effects of the Best ADHD Medicine for Adults with Anxiety
All the drugs we mentioned in the blog come with side effects and different drug interactions, plus risks. Your doctor is likely to;
- Monitor change in behavior and thoughts
- Aggressive behaviour
- Hostility and
- Suicidal thoughts
- Blood pressure if medicines are causing high blood pressure
- Heart rate
Note- in case you notice suicidal behavior in someone taking these drugs for anxiety, contact 911.
Alternate ADHD Treatment Options
Medicines are not the first preferred option for treating anxiety and ADHD. Some alternate treatments include;
- Psychotherapy or talk therapy
- ABA therapy
- Behavioural therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral therapy
- Support groups
- Relaxation techniques
- Yoga, meditation and hypnotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Herbal or dietary supplements
- Lifestyle changes, exercise and diet
When to Contact Your Doctor
If you suffer from ADHD and have to deal with anxiety as well, contact your doctor if finding relief seems difficult. Your doctor will check whether ADHD is causing anxiety or it’s an independent diagnosis.
At times, both conditions cooccur, too, and before prescribing the best ADHD medicine for adults with anxiety, your doctor needs several consultations before making a diagnosis.
The Bottom Line
ADHD and anxiety are both independent mental health disorders, but they can occur simultaneously too. Both conditions disrupt the realm of daily life and need medical attention.
Your doctor will prescribe you medicines or recommend therapies, depending on the severity of your condition. For the best ADHD medicine for adults with anxiety, contact your family doctor. The doctor will take your medical history and offer their expert medical advice.
Your struggles do not define you—every moment you choose to keep going is a testament to your strength.
FAQs
1. Can ADHD drugs help with anxiety?
Yes. There are some medicines regarded as the best ADHD medicine for adults with anxiety. These medicines are usually non-stimulant medicines.
2. Can ADHD also cause anxiety?
Yes, living with ADHD makes lives stressful, and this overwhelming life makes a person more anxious when dealing with simple tasks.
3. Can you medicate ADHD and anxiety together?
Treating both these conditions simultaneously can be tough. But, yes, some drugs can be used for both. Contact your healthcare professional for more information.
4. Can ADHD and anxiety medication be taken together?
Yes, but it also depends on the specific medicine, the patient’s medical history, the dosage, and other factors. At times, both medications interact, making them less effective. So make sure you consult your doctor.
5. What are the best medications for ADHD, anxiety, and depression?
We can’t put down a name for one medicine here. There are some best ADHD medicine for adults with anxiety that works well for some, while for others, it doesn’t.
