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 help the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet or an extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them get worse. In certain instances you may have to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your physician to check these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. adhd in adults medication is crucial to treat these disorders in order to feel better and perform at their best both at work and at home. Some medication used to treat mental conditions may affect ADHD medication. It is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these ailments, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication produced promising results. It reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication such as MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.
The medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for everyone who takes this medication. Some people who use 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.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact in a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more study to determine if atomoxetine is effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may recommend this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as dread or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms despite trying to reduce them.
People suffering from ADHD may experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of disappointment 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 to treat ADHD in adults, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing sleep and stress and incorporating physical exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when combined along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of a person to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also 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 and schedule an appointment today.