How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first can usually improve the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the most popular medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's part of a group called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet, or an extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In certain situations, you might require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those with a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you have problems taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the class of central nervous system stimulants. 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 as well as children aged 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these conditions in order to feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It improved ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup studies. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better assessed using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was very small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically 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 with children and adolescents taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact in a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. 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 take more study to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that increases a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. It's also associated with some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms get more info like stomachaches, headaches as well as breathlessness and emotions like anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite trying to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
People with ADHD can develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of frustration or failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce 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 medications work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga or managing insomnia and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances an expert in mental health might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing 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) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can boost 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, so named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of how they will react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.