How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one condition usually improves the other. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. 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 treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations you may have to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure and therefore, you should schedule regular visits to your physician to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It should not be taken by people who have an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. Ask your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications, so if you have difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults aged 6 years and up. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to treat these issues in order to feel better and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental conditions may affect ADHD medication. It is important to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated disorders, because they are characterized by many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and they are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped improve ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being used for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. medication for add in adults should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not intended to be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a number of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.
This medication can cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. Some people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than the placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. Further research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken once or twice daily by your physician. There are also serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that can cause intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can result in feelings of anger and feeling of failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. 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 may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating physical exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment program. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve anxiety and depression symptoms if taken with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the 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 potent antidepressant effects. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should refrain from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also 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 about our services, and then make an appointment today.