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, addressing the first can usually improve the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the most popular medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet, or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases it is possible to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who are unable to process the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and nursing, so let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount 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 can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues in order to feel better and perform their best, both at work and at home. Some drugs used to treat mental disorders can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these ailments. They also can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication had promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are taking place for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
The medication is also known to cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact in a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist with concentration and impulse control. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.
Some people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotional issues, as well as low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can lead to feelings of frustration and failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating stress and sleep patterns and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, so they can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and 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 reduce 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 are named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so people who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react check here to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment now.