How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first can usually improve the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is essential to tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them worsen. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. It is important to inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It is sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is essential to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger various symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these conditions, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication had promising results. It helped improve 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, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to remember that the overall number of participants in these studies was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with read more other treatments. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as dread or fear. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite trying to manage the severity of their symptoms.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating your sleep and stress levels, and including exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to lift your mood and decrease 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 were initially developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Find out more information and make an appointment today.