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 condition can often improve the second. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. click here! can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by those with an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should inform your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and over. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental disorders may affect ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are commonly used to treat these ailments and can help increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication produced promising results. It helped reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you 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 increases levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist and/or therapist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.
The medication is also known to cause some side effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for all people who take this medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the drug. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. More research is needed to determine whether Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice a day. There are some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and restlessness. It may cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD may develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of anger or disappointment.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can help reduce anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them alone or together with a stimulant, but they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within your brain to boost 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 are named after the three rings in their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower a person’s sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness so people taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.