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Anxiety and ADD/ADHD
I am currently being treated for an anxiety disorder and my doctor prescribed medication to help me focus in class and reduce anxiety and the medication has not helped the focusing part at all. Is it possible to have an anxiety disorder and something similar to ADD/ADHD?
Best Answer
Your family doctor is not the best for helping you with this. You need to see a psychiatrist for a diagnosis, and they are most knowlegable when it comes to these types of medications. Then see what type of psychologist he recommends. You're not on a medication specifically for ADD/ADHD. Ziac is for high blood pressure and I doubt you have this at 20! Do you know why it was given to you? Imitrex is for migraines, do you get migraine headaches? Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and obcessive compulsive disorders (OCD). This is where one keeps doing something repeatedly, like handwashing, cleaning, checking locks, etc. People with OCD often have ADHD as well. Lexapro can calm you and help you concentrate, but it doesn't sound like it's working for you. Don't stop this medication abruptly due to withdrawal, instead seek out a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis and he can refer you to the necessary therapist or psychologist. Between medication and therapy, you can see results rather quickly. Find out why you were given the BP medication, this particular one contains a diuretic so your potassium level should be checked every 3 months. Low potassium results in nausea, and tiredness which can worsen. Until you resolve this, eat a banana every day, drink some orange juice and/or Gatorade everyday to replenish this. I think once you find the proper doctor and get the right diagnosis, you will feel much better.
Ziac was given in its smallest dosage for headache prevention. I was getting a lot of migraine headaches before starting Ziac. The Lexapro is helping with the calming part but I still can't concentrate on anything long enough to finish it.
I currently see my family doctor. I am currently taking Lexapro, Xanax, Ziac, Imitrex. I haven't been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD yet.
It is possible to have both conditions simultaneously, but you need to be careful about who and how you are diagnosed in my opinion. Do you see a psychiatrist or psychologist? Both are good resources in my opinion, but psychologists cannot prescribe medications, but they often work with or can recommend a good psychiatrist to work with you. What is the name of the medication?
Did your GP prescribe the medication or a psychiatrist? Psychiatrist are most knowlegable with these types of medications and what will work best for you. Who diagnosed you with ADD/ADHD and how long ago? Anxiety alone can cause concentration problems so I'm just trying to figure out what is going on. But regardless, you should call your doctor and discuss this with him. He needs to know if the medication isn't working for you. If you could tell us what medications you're on, along with any other symptoms it would help...okay? Thanks!
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