How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first condition can often help the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression along with an ADHD medication.
add adhd medication (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can also be given through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases it is possible to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It is not recommended by those with a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. It is vital to drink enough fluids while you are taking it. Ask your doctor if are having difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults 6 years of age and over. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to help people feel better and do their best at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is important to disclose any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these conditions and can help enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and they have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies that involved people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the 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 the reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a qualified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are usually mild and do not occur in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of children and adolescents taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that increases a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your doctor. There are some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that triggers intense fear and nervousness. It may cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to manage them.
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and inability.
Non-stimulants 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 drugs work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these conditions. You could, for instance, try meditating or doing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and adding fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms if combined together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, so they can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, 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, named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were initially developed as antipsychotics and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, enhance sleep 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.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as 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 professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about our services and book an appointment now.