How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first can usually improve 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 commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It's part of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is also available through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases it is possible to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines, so if you have trouble eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. add adult medications is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these conditions in order to feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, so it is essential to be honest about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies that involved people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the overall size of the study was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children taking the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in a recent study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your physician. It's also linked to more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and emotions like dread or fear. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, although these drugs function differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if combined together with stimulants. add adult medications boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can lift your mood and decrease 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so those taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about our services and make an appointment now.