How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating one condition 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 most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. 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 as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may have to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. Ask your doctor if have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications If you are having difficulties eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults who are 6 years of age and older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medication, so it is crucial to disclose any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these conditions and can help improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies that involved adults with ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. 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, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 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 (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients seek treatment from a licensed 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 controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.
This medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect everyone who takes this medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the drug. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be effective in other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your doctor. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and anxiety and. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and feelings of anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen them.
Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. adhd medication list can cause issues with relationships and emotions, and also a loss of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can result in feelings of anger and inability.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they typically aren't used in adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing sleep and stress and incorporating physical exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms if taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. 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 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce the person's sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase 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 our services and make an appointment today.