How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet, or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations you may have to take an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. Consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food consult your physician 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 nervous system stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are six years old and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. Treatment for these disorders is essential to help people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Certain drugs used to treat mental conditions can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about 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 commonly used to treat these disorders, and they can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a number of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than a placebo for 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 used with other treatments. More research is needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor might recommend this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that triggers intense fear and anxiety and. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to reduce them.
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD include the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to improve 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 more info antidepressants first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, enhance sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. Patients taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like 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 professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.