How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one condition usually improves the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines 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 a liquid, chewable tablet, or extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
adhd and medication is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is important that you inform your doctor if are suffering from depression or anxiety as certain medications, particularly stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your physician to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It is not recommended by those with a genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines, so if you have trouble eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with 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 affects the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults 6 years of age and over. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental disorders may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety can be complicated because they both have many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these ailments and may enhance focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. adhd medication uk was also safe for use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were more accurately measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. However it is important to note that the overall number of participants in these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and 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 expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact, in a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take further research to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that increases a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to reduce them.
Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions as well as a lack of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs function differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them alone or together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these conditions. You can, for example try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if combined together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, so they can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the 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 were initially developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics also decrease a person's sensitivity to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people taking them shouldn't drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Exercise taking enough rest, and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral 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 professionals for easy, cost-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.