How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one of the conditions 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 most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is important that you tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them get worse. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines therefore, if you experience trouble eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the class of central nervous system stimulants. It affects the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults six years old and up. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to feel better and perform their best, both at work and at home. Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated due to the fact that both can trigger a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe for use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.
This medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high 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 experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact in an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine is effective in other forms of anxiety click here disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your physician. There are also some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense, persistent fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, and anxiety or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them as a single drug or together with a stimulant, but they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, managing your stress and sleep patterns and incorporating exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases, a mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can boost 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. The people taking them shouldn't drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.