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 can usually help the second. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid or an extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them get worse. In certain instances it is possible to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is vital to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years and older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health conditions may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is important to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also help improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication produced promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are taking place, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be consumed 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, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.
This medication can also cause a few side effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are usually mild and do not occur for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research will be required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and boosting it can help concentration and control of impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your physician. It's also linked to more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to manage them.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure.
adhd medication list as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels, and adding fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.