How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals typically 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 medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to tell your doctor if you are suffering from depression or anxiety as some medications, especially stimulants can cause them worsen. In certain situations it is possible to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should make regular visits to your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. It is important to inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine within the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children six years old and up. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to aid people in feeling more relaxed and perform their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated, as they both involve various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also improve focus and concentration for those who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression, the medication showed promising results. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after the use of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy 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 the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting 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 patient seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a myriad of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup studies. In most cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. However it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.
The medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect anyone who takes this medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with children and adolescents taking the medication. These trials did not lead to suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact in a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day 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 anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings like anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage their symptoms.
People with ADHD can sometimes develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can cause feelings of frustration and failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease 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.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, adhd without medication used in children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these disorders. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation or managing sleep and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can boost 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, named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease the sensitivity of a person to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. Patients taking them shouldn't drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet that is rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can 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 care. Find out more about our services and make an appointment today.