How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first can usually 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 commonly used antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them get worse. In some cases, you may need to take an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you are taking it. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew on these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults who are 6 years of age and up. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to treat these disorders so that they can feel better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus in people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication should not be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was very small.
The medication is also known to cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are usually minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of children and adolescents taking the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In a recent study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will require more study to determine if atomoxetine may be effective in other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your doctor. It's also linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like dread or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to manage them.
Certain people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration and inability.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). 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.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. adhd treatment without medication
In some instances, a mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment program. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to improve 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 as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sounds. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.