How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first can usually improve the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, particularly stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.
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 doctor to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. The treatment of these conditions is important to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medications, so it is important to disclose any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these disorders and may increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It helped improve ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a myriad 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 and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. medication adhd adults is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
This medication can cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study, atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
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 transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your doctor. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen their symptoms.
People with ADHD can sometimes experience anxiety, and. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of frustration 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, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating stress and sleep patterns, and incorporating exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms when combined with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, so they can aid in reducing symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to improve 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, named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should refrain from driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.