Medications for Adults With Inattentive ADHD & Anxiety

There are many medication options for inattentive ADHD as well as anxiety. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to include a medical, social and psychological history is necessary to determine the best method for treatment of these disorders. It is best to see a physician who specializes in psychiatry for optimal recommendations on medication.

Stimulants

• Being unable to attend to tasks at school or work might indicate an issue with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Central nervous system stimulants such as Focalin, Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, Concerta or Ritalin are typically prescribed for ADHD to improve concentration and focus. These medications need to be taken under close supervision because of the potential for abuse.

Central Alpha-Agonists

• Feeling anxious might coexist with ADHD. The inattentive type of ADHD can also be treated with medications such as clonidine or Tenex, although these are more often prescribed for children than adults. These medications help calm anxiety and improve attention.

Benzodiazepines

• Learning to manage anxiety along with ADHD might be more difficult than managing one or the other alone. The use of a benzodiazepine such as Xanax, Klonopin, Valium or Ativan might assist in controlling anxiety symptoms. These medications need to be taken under close supervision because of the potential for abuse.

Selective Serotonin Inhibitors

• Concentration problems or difficulties attending to tasks might be addressed with certain antidepressants called SSRIs. These medications also relieve symptoms of anxiety. Medications such as Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Luvox, Paxil or Zoloft might be prescribed to address issues of anxiety and inattention.

Combining Medication

• Experiencing ADHD, inattentive type and anxiety might require a combination of medications to resolve symptoms. A trial of different types and combinations of medications might be necessary to find the most effective regimen.