How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first can usually help the second. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or extended-release capsule. It can also be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, so you should make regular visits to your physician to examine these. It may also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having difficulty eating solid foods discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. It is crucial to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medications, so it is important to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
This medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are usually mild and do not occur in all people who take the medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with children and adolescents taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take further study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice a day. It's also been linked to some serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that triggers an intense fear and a sense of anxiety and. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms despite trying to reduce their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with relationships get more info and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and 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, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them alone or along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, and therefore can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to improve your mood and reduce your 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 initially developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.