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 help the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids or an extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food discuss with 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 altering the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to help people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Certain medication used to treat mental disorders can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may improve concentration and focus for people suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain. They have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped improve ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being used, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of 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 medication used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases 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. adult add medication is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
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 include 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size in these studies was small.
The medication can also cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are usually minor and are not seen in all people who take the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact in a recent study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. It will take further study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice a day. There are also serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and emotions like anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to lessen the severity of their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD may experience anxiety, and. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and failure.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking to on front page can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these conditions. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation or managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within 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, so named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally designed as antipsychotics, and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.