How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one of the conditions often improves the other. 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 medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the most popular medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It's part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them worsen. In some cases, you may need to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications, so if you have trouble eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults aged 6 years and over. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is essential to aid people in feeling better and do their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, so it is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken 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 within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients seek treatment from a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled trials that were randomized 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 remember that the sample size in these studies was small.
This medication can cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving children and adolescents taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research is required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your doctor. It's also associated with some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage them.
Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these drugs function differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants may be 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 teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation or managing insomnia and stress, and incorporating physical activity into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. medication for adults with add aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms when taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to lift your mood and decrease 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of people to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so people who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react 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 practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about our services and make an appointment today.