How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person is suffering from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by 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 can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those with an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications, so if you have trouble eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like applesauce, yogurt or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are aged 6 years and up. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.
Adults with ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Some medication used to treat mental disorders can affect ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication produced promising results. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines are not recommended to be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether 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 blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
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 nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was limited.
This medication can cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed for everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than an placebo. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. More research will be needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes extreme fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like dread or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen their symptoms.
People with ADHD may develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of frustration or failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs are different from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking with visit this website -health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these conditions. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and incorporating fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can lift your mood and decrease your 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, so named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were first designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These drugs 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 an increase in drowsiness. People who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know how they will react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.