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 condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for those with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them get worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It is not recommended by those with an inherited condition known as Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to make people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to disclose any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression, the medication showed promising results. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe for use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were more accurately measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. However it is important to note that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.
This medication can also cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for all people who take this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. Further research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice a day. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can help reduce anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could, try meditating or doing yoga, managing your insomnia and stress levels and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms when combined along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within your brain to boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- website 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 have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen a person's sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People taking them shouldn't operate machinery or drive until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet that is 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 help reduce stress. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is insurance-free and convenient. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.