How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one condition usually improves the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet or an extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some instances, you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who are unable to process the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. Treatment of these conditions is crucial to help people feel better and do their best at work and home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medication, so it is important to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve various symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may enhance focus and concentration in people with ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. 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 taking place for example, MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a qualified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. However, it is important to note that the number of participants in these studies was small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and are not observed in everyone who takes the medication. adhd medication for adults uk who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than a placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. More research is needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also been linked to some 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, shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions as well as a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of anger or disappointment.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as do nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. You could, for instance, try meditating or doing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and including exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to 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 for the three rings in their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower the sensitivity of a person to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. Patients taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are sure of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. 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 services. Find out more information and make an appointment today.