How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has 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 most frequently used antidepressants 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 the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It's part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in 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 uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important that you inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them to get worse. In certain situations, you may need to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It should not be taken by people who have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you take it. Ask your doctor if have difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years or older. It is sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these disorders so that they can be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medications, so it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are often prescribed to treat these conditions and may increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic 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 believed to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug boosts levels of this chemical within 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 patient seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a number of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the size of the study was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent research study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. More research is needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in 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 which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that triggers an intense fear and a sense of anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and anxiety or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms despite trying to lessen them.
Some people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause emotional and relationship problems, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of anger or disappointment.
adult adhd medication like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can 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.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and including exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if combined with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to improve anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to boost your mood and decrease 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 are named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of people to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.