How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first condition can often improve the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It's part of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken as tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is essential to tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, particularly stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some cases it is possible to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications, so if you have difficulties eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults six years old and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is essential to help people feel better and do their best at work and home. Some medication used to treat mental conditions can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression, the medication showed promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days after 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 nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However, it is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.
This medication can cause some adverse effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are usually minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact in an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. It's also linked to some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can cause feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce 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 differ from stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them as a single drug or together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. This involves talking to 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 could, for instance try meditation or yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and including fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations the mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety click here symptoms when combined along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase 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 are named for 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) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness so people taking them should refrain from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Learn more about our services and book an appointment now.