maize Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 We're looking into medication options and I am just wondering if there are any single medications that help address both ADHD and anxiety? I realize that medication combinations are possible, but it would be great if there were a single medication that could help with both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmtzc2009 Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 Listening in. So far in our case, 2 kids and 1 adult, ADHD meds have exacerbated the anxiety. We've tried all ADHD meds on the market, both short and long acting. Of course everyone is different and may react differently to meds. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 Here is a link http://www.mdedge.com/currentpsychiatry/article/63169/neurology/double-jeopardy-how-treat-kids-comorbid-anxiety-and-adhd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Mouse Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 For my DD, treating the ADHD improves her anxiety. I think this is because the ADHD causes her to hyper focus on whatever in making her anxious. . She only ever used versions of what is in Ritalin. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 Intuniv is supposed to help with both. No personal experience with it, however. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 We have had improvement in anxiety with ADHD meds because the ADHD meds give more overall control to actions which gives more overall control to life in general. I know people have the opposite reaction. You might just have to try something and see how it goes. OTOH, there are "just right" doses of ADHD meds--if my son has too little of his stimulant meds, he is more aware of how he almost has control of himself--that's not good. He also had a particular generic that made him anxious--the other one we tried was perfectly fine. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted November 12, 2016 Share Posted November 12, 2016 Bingo, ADHD meds can decrease anxiety by increasing the competence and control. For the remaining anxiety, you're looking at a 2nd med (anti-depressant). You could also look into CBT (therapy) or sam-e (supplement). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom28GreatKids Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 (edited) Decrease in anxiety here with just traditional meds. . .because he can now filter the stimuli coming at him, and his brain is more organized so he responds to coping strategies better. He is also sleeping better/ going to sleep faster which is helping him be better regulated. This is NOT always the case. Dr. said he was classic case for responding well to meds and he was right. We are still unpacking behavior with his behavior counselor because behavior patterns get set in stone in these kiddos, but take a long time to undo. And behavior is still behavior, no matter the reason for it. He is learning new patterns, but it is SLOW going. Edited November 13, 2016 by Mom28GreatKids 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 We treat the anxiety which is more severe. stimulants increase anxiety. Intuitiv made her truculent . So just treat whichever is more severe is the advice I've got from a few docs (neuropsych, psychiatrist ). But I'll be listening in. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom28GreatKids Posted November 13, 2016 Share Posted November 13, 2016 (edited) We may still need to treat the anxiety with a specific med, but stimulant meds have decreased it, so before we add another script, we are trying behavioral and coping strategies first. I am not sure if they would treat anxiety with meds in one as young as ds. Anyone know? DS is 4. Edited November 13, 2016 by Mom28GreatKids Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmtzc2009 Posted November 14, 2016 Share Posted November 14, 2016 We may still need to treat the anxiety with a specific med, but stimulant meds have decreased it, so before we add another script, we are trying behavioral and coping strategies first. I am not sure if they would treat anxiety with meds in one as young as ds. Anyone know? DS is 4. Our Psychiatrist said meds could be started at 5. I'm sure that depends on the severity of what the child us experiencing. DS started ADHD meds at 5 1/2 and added Anxiety meds at 6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BooksandBoys Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 Listening in. I'm trying to learn all I can about this prior to DS2's first appointment with the psychiatrist. He's our highly anxious kiddo with PTSD and, at the very least, the excessive activity side of ADHD. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 We've had clonidine recommended to us as a secondary adhd/anxiety med for bedtime use when sleeping is an issue. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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