How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's a part of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise heart rate and blood pressure, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you are taking it. 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 have difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment of these conditions is essential to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, so it is crucial to disclose any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these conditions and may enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and they have a low risk of 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 and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being used for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication should not be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the sample size of these studies was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for all people who take this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who were taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of adults with 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 used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor might recommend this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and anxiety and. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like dread or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen their symptoms.
Certain people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, and a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction with a stimulant, though they typically aren't used in adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation or managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating physical exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms when combined along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to reduce anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase 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 were originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of a person to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough, and eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety more info symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Learn more about our services and make an appointment now.