How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can help the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or 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 anxiety or depression. It is important that you inform your doctor if you are suffering from depression or anxiety as certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It may also raise blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by those with an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience difficulty eating solid foods, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft food or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is important to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Some medication that treat mental illnesses can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these disorders and may increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not 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 known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 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 improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the drug. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research will be needed to determine if the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken once or twice daily by your physician. There are adhd and depression medication like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and emotions like anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.
People with ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions as well as a lack of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can help reduce anxiety symptoms, as can nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction with a stimulant, though they typically aren't used in adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. You can, for example try meditation or yoga, regulating 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. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within 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 initially developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness so people taking them should refrain from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also reduce stress. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment now.