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 can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. 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 certain situations it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications, so if you have difficulty eating solid foods discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are six years old and older. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is essential to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are commonly used to treat these conditions and may increase focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and they have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It improved ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
It is important to tell your doctor if taking any other medication such as MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients 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 increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.
The medication can also cause a few side effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In a recent study atomoxetine proved to be more effective than a placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take further studies to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice a day. There are also serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions as well as a lack of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs are different from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation or managing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve anxiety and depression symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They more info can therefore help to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sounds. They can cause drowsiness so those who are taking them should stay away from 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 rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more information and make an appointment today.