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, treating the first can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's part of a group called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount 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 is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain situations you may have to take stimulants and 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 appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by people who have an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. Ask your doctor if have difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to make people feel better and do their best at work and at home. Some drugs used to treat mental conditions can affect ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated because they both have many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these conditions. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD/ADHD. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are low-risk for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults with ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the overall number of participants in these studies was limited.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and do not affect all people who take this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your physician. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and restlessness. It may cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce them.
People with ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could cause feelings of frustration and failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help reduce anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels, and including fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases, a mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to lift 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 after the three rings of their chemical structure, were originally designed as antipsychotics, and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower the sensitivity of a person to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
medication for adhd and resting enough and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.