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 help the second. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or an extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them to worsen. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.
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 doctor to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. If you experience difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and over. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions can affect ADHD medication. It is crucial to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also improve concentration and focus in people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to note, however, 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 therapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with 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, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was small.
The medication is also known to cause a few side effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are typically minor and do not affect everyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than a placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result 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 will be required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice daily. There are also serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes extreme fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to manage the severity of their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can cause feelings of frustration and failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, however these drugs work differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them alone or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try practicing meditation or yoga or managing insomnia and stress and incorporating physical exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can improve your mood and reduce your 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 originally developed as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include website imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.