How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. 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 is available as chewable tablets, liquids or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are suffering from depression or anxiety as some medications, especially stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In certain instances you may have to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
When taking adhd treatment without medication , you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medications, so it is important to be honest about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these disorders, and they can improve concentration and focus for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression, the medication showed promising results. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after the administration 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 (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 increases levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. However, it is important to remember that the overall number of participants in these studies was small.
The medication can cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than a placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. 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 taken at least twice a day by your doctor. It's also associated with some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like fear or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of disappointment or failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they typically aren't used in children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation as well as reducing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, so they can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. 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 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 were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of a person to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and boost 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 information and make an appointment today.