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 improve the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants and is used to alter the levels 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 administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In certain instances you may have to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't 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 blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew on these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental disorders may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are taking place for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.
The medication can also cause some 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 take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research is required to here determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist with concentration and impulse control. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, breathlessness, and anxiety or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen their symptoms.
Certain people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.
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, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, however these medications work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them alone or along with a stimulant. However, they typically aren't used in adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga or managing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people taking them shouldn't operate machinery or drive until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Exercise, getting 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 and other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more information and make an appointment today.