How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or an extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain instances, you may need to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is vital to drink enough fluids when you take it. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications, so if you have difficulties eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged six years and over. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is essential to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are commonly used to treat these disorders, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a number of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the number of participants in these studies was limited.
This medication can also cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact, in a recent study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid with concentration and impulse control. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your physician. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense, persistent fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and feelings of dread or panic. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating your sleep and stress levels and including exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- such as click here 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, named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally designed as antipsychotics, and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a nutritious diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.