How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's part of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise heart rate and blood pressure, so you should make regular visits to your physician to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. Ask your doctor if have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience trouble eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions may affect ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication produced promising results. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a number of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the overall size of the study was limited.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact the results of an earlier study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, 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. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice daily. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause an intense fear and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like anxiety or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
Some people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, however these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, managing your insomnia and stress levels and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances, a mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment program. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase 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) -- increase your 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 to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness, so people taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.