How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first can usually improve the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or an extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some cases it is possible to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew these medicines. If you have difficulty eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these issues to help them be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is important to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being used for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor that you are allergic 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 believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. However it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.
This medication can cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed for everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, patients who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your physician. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It may cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of frustration or failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or together with a stimulant, but they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing sources and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating your sleep and stress levels and including exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used 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 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 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 were originally developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also decrease a person's sensitivity to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. The people taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.