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 prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's a part of a group of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is important that you tell your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them to get worse. In some instances, you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines, so if you have difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged six years and over. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorder in 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 both at work and at home. Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of the use of lisdexamfetamine. adhd without medication should also inform your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for everyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than a placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. More research is needed to determine whether Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your physician. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense, persistent fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.
Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing 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 medications differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation as well as reducing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases the mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if combined with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the 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 were originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, increase sleep 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 are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest, and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.