How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if are suffering from depression or anxiety as certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them get worse. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults 6 years of age and up. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, so it is important to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these conditions and may increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It helped improve ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive check here symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to note that the sample size of these studies was very small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact, in an earlier study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice a day. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like fear or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration and failure.
Non-stimulants like 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, however these drugs work differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these disorders. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga, managing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within 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 are named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were initially designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also lessen a person's sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep quality 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 know how they'll react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also help to reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.