How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain instances it is possible to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure, so you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged six years and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, so it is essential to disclose any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication had promising results. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe for use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines are not recommended to be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that get more info the patient seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed using atomoxetine compared to placebo. However, it is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.
The medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in all people who take the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who were taking the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact the results of an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform an placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. More research will be needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your doctor. It's also linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches as well as breathlessness and feelings like fear or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of anger or disappointment.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, but these drugs function differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, managing your stress and sleep patterns, and including exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to improve your mood and reduce your anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- such as mirtazapine (Remeron) and nefazodone (Serzone) -- also lift your mood by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin that your brain's chemical messengers release. Tricyclic antidepressants are named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were first developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness therefore, those taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services and book an appointment today.