How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first disorder can improve the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's a part of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can also be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them worsen. In certain instances you may have to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and nursing, so let your doctor know if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids while you take it. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew on these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nerve system stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is important to aid people in feeling better and do their best at work and home. Certain drugs used to treat mental conditions can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD/ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication had promising results. It helped improve 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, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform 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 preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to note that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact, in a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending 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 every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like dread or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce them.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotional issues, as well as low self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these drugs function differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them alone or together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. For instance, you could, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating sleep and stress levels and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. adhd in adults medication increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within 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, so named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from 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 exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.