How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the second. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's part of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as 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 like anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations it is possible to take an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years and older. It is sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental disorders can affect ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They also can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression, the medication showed promising results. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days after the use of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead, how to treat adhd without medication in adults is recommended that a person receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. adhd medication list include nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was very small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect anyone who takes this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take further studies to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor might recommend this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. There are some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.
People with ADHD can experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of disappointment or failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to reduce 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 medications differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in combination with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and adding exercise into your daily routine.
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 can improve anxiety and depression symptoms if taken together with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the 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 were initially developed as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of people to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. Patients who are taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also reduce stress. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services and book an appointment now.