How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing 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 aged 6 years or older. adhd and medication is also used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment for these disorders is essential to make people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medication, so it is essential to be honest about any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also help improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies conducted with adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It decreased 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 used, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not intended to be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a number of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the size of the study was limited.
The medication can cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact, in a recent study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. Further research is needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice daily. It's also linked to some serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches as well as breathlessness and feelings such as anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce them.
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions, and a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, however these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating 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. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if taken with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to improve 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't operate machinery or drive until they are certain of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.