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 help the second. Mental health professionals often 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 increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness. It is important to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, talk to your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt 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 within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are 6 years of age and older. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to feel better and perform their best, both at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions can affect ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these disorders, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication had promising results. It improved ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the 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 neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist get more info or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup studies. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size in these studies was very small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children taking the drug. These trials didn't result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. Further research is needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.
People with ADHD may develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease 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 are different from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation or managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances, a mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms when taken together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce 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 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 were originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen a person's sensitivity to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as 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 care. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.