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 of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals typically 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 drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is also available via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may have to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids when you take it. Ask your doctor if are having difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It affects the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues in order to feel better and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses may affect ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug increases levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was very small.
The medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for all people who take this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will take further study to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is 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 disorder that causes intense fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and feelings like dread or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage them.
People with ADHD may experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or together with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these disorders. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation as well as reducing sleep and stress and incorporating physical exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of website serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, so they can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can lift 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, named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about our services and make an appointment today.