How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first condition can often help the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations it is possible to take an anti-anxiety medication 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 should not be taken by people who have a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having difficulty eating solid foods consult your physician about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults aged 6 years and over. It is sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is crucial to help people feel better and do their best at work and home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex 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 improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the administration of 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 nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. It is important to note that this medication should not be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post-hoc subgroup studies. In most cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. However it is important to remember that the size of the study was small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children taking the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an earlier study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your physician. It's also been linked to some serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and nervousness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as fear or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce best medication for adhd them.
Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction with a stimulant, though they are typically not prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. You can, for example try meditation or yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment program. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however 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 reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like 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 potent antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of people to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so people who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services and book an appointment now.