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 disorder can improve the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain instances it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. most effective adhd medication for adults may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew on these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. The treatment of these conditions is essential to make people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Some drugs used to treat mental conditions may affect ADHD medication. It is crucial to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are commonly used to treat these conditions, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression The medication had promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication should not be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the overall size of the study was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are usually mild and do not occur in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact in an investigation of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than the placebo. This is a promising result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. It's also associated with more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings like dread or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to manage their symptoms.
People with ADHD may suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can help reduce anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). 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.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. how to treat adhd without medication in adults may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these conditions. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation, managing sleep and stress and incorporating physical exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if taken with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in 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 as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.