How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It's a part of a group of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It can also be given through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is important that you inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them get worse. In certain situations it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates which is why you should make regular visits to your physician to monitor these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children 6 years of age and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is important to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medication that treat mental illnesses can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these conditions, and they can enhance focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped improve ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug boosts 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 treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to evaluate the get more info effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to note that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for everyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine may be effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your doctor. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and anxiety or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to reduce them.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can 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 are prescribed either on their own or in combination with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to adolescents 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. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these conditions. You could, for instance, try meditating or doing yoga, managing your stress and sleep patterns and adding fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve anxiety and depression symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase 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 are named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were first designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. Patients taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.