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 can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases, you may need to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those with a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink adhd anxiety medication of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew these medicines. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are six years old and up. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these conditions so that they can be more comfortable and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these disorders and may improve concentration and focus in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain, and are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication had promising results. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of the use of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are usually minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the drug. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact the results of a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine is effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. It's also linked to some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense, persistent fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like fear or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage them.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and feeling of failure.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine 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, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them on their own or in conjunction with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga as well as reducing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the 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, named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also reduce stress. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about our services and book an appointment now.