How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them to get worse. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those with a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the class of central nervous 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 and children aged six years and over. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health conditions may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these ailments, and they can increase focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. 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 taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to note that the sample size of these studies was small.
This medication can cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact, in an earlier study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take more studies to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and boosting it can help concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice daily. It's also associated with some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that triggers extreme fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches as well as breathlessness and feelings like anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.
People with ADHD may experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs are different from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. You can, for example try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and including fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within 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 were originally developed as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of people to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. adhd anxiety medication can cause an increase in drowsiness. People who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest and eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. 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.