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 usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's part of a group called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can also be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases you may have to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. Ask your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt 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 in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is important to be open about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these conditions and may enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies that involved adults with ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are taking place, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was 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 all people who take this medication. In some instances, patients who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of children and adolescents taking the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact, in a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform an placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take more studies to determine if atomoxetine may be effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice a day. It's also associated with more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to manage their symptoms.
Certain people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD include check here forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these disorders. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns, and adding fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases an expert in mental health might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of 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, named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they know the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also reduce stress. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Find out more information and make an appointment today.