How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first condition can often improve the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. medication for add adults 's a part of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can also be given through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is important that you tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In some cases it is possible to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by those suffering from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and up. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these conditions and can help improve concentration and focus in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults with ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It reduced 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 taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform 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 thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the number of participants in these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in all people who take the medication. Some people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than a placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will take further study to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant 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. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your physician. There are also some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and feelings like fear or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
People with ADHD can experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD include the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as do nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs are different from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help you manage these issues. You can, for example try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating sleep and stress levels and incorporating fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if combined with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, so they can aid in reducing symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to improve 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, so named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. The people taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.