How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can also be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those with ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is important that you inform your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them to worsen. In some cases, you may need 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 appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by those suffering from an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with 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 levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years or older. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications that treat mental illnesses can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be open about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these disorders and may enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were more accurately measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. However, it is important to note that the overall number of participants in these studies was small.
The medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. adult adhd medication are usually minimal and are not observed for everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who were taking the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. More research will be required to determine if the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice daily. It's also been linked to some more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.
People with ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of frustration or failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as do 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.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed 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 adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits and incorporating physical exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, so they can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to boost 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the sensitivity of a person to sounds. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.