How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can help the second. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and 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 works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can also be given through the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them get worse. In some cases, you may need to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. Consult your physician if you have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines, so if you have trouble eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft food or drinks, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It affects 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 of six years and over. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to treat these conditions in order to be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these ailments and can help enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication produced promising results. adult adhd medication reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether 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. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not intended to be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
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 all people who take this medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving children and adolescents taking the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact the results of an earlier study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. Further research is needed to determine if the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense, persistent fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotional issues, as well as low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and inability.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or together with a stimulant, but they typically aren't used in teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these disorders. You could, for instance try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to improve anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can 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 powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so people taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.