How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one condition usually improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's part of a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations, you might require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise blood pressure and heart rates which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It should not be taken by people who have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you are taking it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications, so if you have difficulty eating solid foods discuss with your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft food or drinks like yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amount 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 used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses may affect ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these disorders and may improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It improved ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being used for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment check here for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a number of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size in these studies was small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for all people who take this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies on children and adolescents who took the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact, in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your physician. It's also linked to some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and including fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase 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 were originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness therefore, those taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more information and make an appointment today.