How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the most popular medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's part of a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is also available via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by people who have an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, who have trouble in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you take it. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications, so if you have difficulty eating solid foods discuss with 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 a medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to help people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and at home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses can affect ADHD medication. It is crucial to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these disorders, and they can enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety, the medication showed promising results. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the 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 the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a myriad of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size in these studies was small.
This medication can also cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact, in an earlier study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take more studies to determine if atomoxetine is 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 that is known as noradrenaline. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also been linked to some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that can cause extreme fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and emotions like dread or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite trying to manage the severity of their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can lead to feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, but these drugs function differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for check here treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation, managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise 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 taken together with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to boost 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 antidepressants were initially developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. Patients taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they know how they will react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could 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 affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.