How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating one condition often improves 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 frequently prescribed antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help 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 or anxiety. It's part of a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It is not recommended by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. It is vital to drink enough fluids when you take it. If you experience difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity 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 can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to make people 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 medications, so it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these conditions. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression, the medication showed promising results. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup studies. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. However it is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was limited.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and 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 experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials did not lead to suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform an placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. More research is needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. There are also some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and nervousness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Certain people with adult adhd medication uk ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can lead to feelings of frustration and inability.
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 like clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga as well as reducing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity 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. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help 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 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. 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 it and schedule an appointment today.