How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or extended-release capsule. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process phenylalanine should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to feel better and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medications that treat mental illnesses can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated, as they both involve various symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also improve focus and concentration for those who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and they are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup studies. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an investigation of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform an placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that increases a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may recommend this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice a day. There are some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause an intense fear and a sense of anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings like anxiety or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.
Certain people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, however these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as 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 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to get more info have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services and make an appointment today.