How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them get worse. In add adhd medication may have to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who are unable to process the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Consult your physician if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug within the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children 6 years of age and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. It is crucial to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, so it is important to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated, as they both involve a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these disorders and can help enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults with ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being used for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug boosts levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. However it is important to remember that the number of participants in these studies was small.
The medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the drug. These trials did not result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is 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 outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take further studies to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken once or twice daily by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes extreme fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches as well as breathlessness and feelings like fear or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen them.
Certain 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 forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, although these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these disorders. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns, and adding fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can 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 were initially developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't 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 fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.