How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first condition can often help the second. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which 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's a part of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them to worsen. In certain instances it is possible to take an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to examine these. It may also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. Ask your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications. If you are having 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 (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are 6 years of age and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to help people feel better and do their best at work and home. Some medication that treat mental illnesses can affect ADHD medication. It is essential to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated due to the fact that both can trigger a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may improve concentration and focus for people suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and they have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a number of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size in these studies was small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and do not occur in everyone who takes the medication. In adhd medication uk , patients who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact in an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your physician. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings like fear or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
Some people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD like inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist 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 medications are different from stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they are typically not prescribed to adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. This involves talking with an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you could try practicing meditation or yoga, managing insomnia and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases, a mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment program. These drugs 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 reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can improve 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, so named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness therefore, those taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can help reduce stress. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.