How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them worsen. In certain situations, you might require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. add medication adult may cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, talk to 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 medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults aged 6 years and up. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these conditions in order to feel better and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to be open about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They also can improve concentration and focus for people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are safe for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are taking place, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days after the use of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you 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 preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication should not be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a number of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.
The medication is also known to cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and do not occur in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with children and adolescents taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms despite trying to reduce them.
People with ADHD can experience anxiety, and. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of frustration or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation, managing sleep and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslike fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can boost your mood and reduce 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 were initially developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics also decrease a person's sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also reduce stress. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment today.