How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the second. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve 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 medications called central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids, or an extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain instances it is possible to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It is not recommended by people who have an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, who have trouble in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications, so if you have difficulty eating solid foods discuss with your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults aged 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these disorders in order to be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medications, so it is important to be honest about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated, as they both involve various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression, the medication showed promising results. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor that website you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were more accurately measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. However it is important to note that the overall size of the study was limited.
The medication can cause a few side effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect everyone who takes this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research will be required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms 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 that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice a day. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like fear or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of disappointment or 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 be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs work differently from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation or managing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to lift your mood and decrease your 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 as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. Patients taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. 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 then make an appointment today.