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, treating the first can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to 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 as tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It can also be given through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations you may have to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause 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. medication for adult add may also trigger 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 can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. It is vital to drink enough fluids while you take it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew on these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues to help them be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental conditions may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess due to the fact that both can trigger various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these conditions, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being used, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after the use 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 blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. However, it is important to remember that the number of participants in these studies was small.
The medication can cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact, in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform an placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. Further research is required to determine if the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice a day. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause an intense fear and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as fear or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Untreated medication for adult adhd , such as inattention and impulsiveness, could lead to feelings of frustration and failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs work differently from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. You can, for example try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating stress and sleep patterns, and including fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment program. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as 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 -- 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, named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were originally developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics also decrease a person's sensitivity to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so people taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise taking 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 of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.