How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one condition usually improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids or an extended-release capsule. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In certain situations it is possible to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise heart rate and blood pressure, so you should make regular visits to your physician to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is important to make people feel better and do their best at work and home. Some medications used to treat mental conditions may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are safe for misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies conducted with adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after the use of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a myriad of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were more accurately measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. However, it is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who were taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will require more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. It's also linked to more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to lessen them.
Certain people with ADHD also develop anxiety. adhd treatment without medication can cause issues with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs work differently from stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they typically aren't used in children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help you manage these issues. 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 as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in 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 were originally developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of people to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. Patients who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as 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 professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more information and make an appointment today.