How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first can usually improve the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids or extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is essential to inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them worsen. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to be honest about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve various symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these ailments. They also can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety, the medication showed promising results. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are taking place, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. best adhd medication for adults uk were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause an intense fear and a sense of nervousness. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like dread or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to reduce them.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also cause 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 drugs work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can 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, named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen a person's sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can help reduce stress. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about our services and make an appointment now.