How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first can usually improve the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as 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 within your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids or an extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is important that you tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your physician to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and nursing, so let your doctor know whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
While taking most effective adhd medication for adults , you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if have difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these disorders so that they can feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to be honest about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are low-risk for misuse and abuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults with ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and also 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 medication, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this 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 neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were more accurately measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. However, it is important to note that the number of participants in these studies was small.
The medication can cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact, in an earlier study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will require more study to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid with concentration and impulse control. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken once or twice daily by your doctor. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes an intense fear and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and anxiety or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems, as well as low self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or 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 or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them on their own or in conjunction together with a stimulant, but they're not typically prescribed for adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms if combined together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, enhance sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should avoid driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.