How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It is in a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It is also available through the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases, you may need to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
adhd medications uk must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids while you take it. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and up. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions so that they can feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve focus and concentration for those who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any 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 blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
This medication is also known to cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect anyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving children and adolescents taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. Further research is needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may recommend this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that triggers intense fear and anxiety and. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like fear or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them alone or along with a stimulant. However, they typically aren't used in adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of 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 are named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially designed as antipsychotics, and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.