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 can usually improve 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 as well as dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you take it. Ask your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. adhd treatment without medication is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of six years and over. adhd treatment without medication is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is crucial to help people feel better and do their best at work and home. Some drugs used to treat mental conditions can affect ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these ailments, and they can increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression The medication had promising results. 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 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. 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, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication should not be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was small.
This medication is also known to cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies on children and adolescents who took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine can 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. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may recommend this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. It's also been linked to some more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that triggers extreme fear and nervousness. It may cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and anxiety or fear. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite trying to manage their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD may develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications work differently from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating sleep and stress levels and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction together with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can help improve depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to boost your mood and reduce 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, so named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. adhd treatment without medication include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower a person’s sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior 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. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment today.