How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one condition usually improves the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as 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 a liquid, chewable tablet, or an extended-release capsule. It is also available through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some instances, you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and nursing, so let your doctor know whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines therefore, if you experience trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions in order to be more comfortable and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medication, so 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 many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being used for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was very small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and do not occur in all people who take the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an investigation of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice daily. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, breathlessness, and anxiety or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to lessen them.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and feeling of failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help reduce anxiety symptoms, as can nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). adhd medications for adults like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to a mental health professional and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation or managing sleep and stress and incorporating exercise in your daily 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 however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms when taken together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the 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 were originally developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of people to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also reduce stress. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.