How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet or an extended-release capsule. It is also available through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those with a genetic condition called Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications used to treat mental conditions can interact negatively with ADHD medication. Iam Psychiatry is important to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus for people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), 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 the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for everyone who takes this medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and boosting it can help concentration and control of impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. It's also linked to more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that triggers extreme fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen the severity of their symptoms.
People with ADHD can experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them alone or together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these disorders. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, managing your insomnia and stress levels and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within your brain to boost your mood and decrease 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 were later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should avoid driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. 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 about it and schedule an appointment today.