How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase 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 or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain situations, you might require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children six years old and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. The treatment of these conditions is important to aid people in feeling more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Some drugs used to treat mental conditions may affect ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve concentration and focus in people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. add adhd medication iampsychiatry help by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression, the medication showed promising results. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within 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 psychiatrist or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect everyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine whether the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite trying to lessen them.
Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them alone or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these conditions. You could, for instance, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels and including exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, and therefore can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like 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, named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were first developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. Patients who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment today.