How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD “off-label”. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters 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 can also be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is essential to inform your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them get worse. In some cases it is possible to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. If you are having 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 class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years or older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment for these disorders is important to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health conditions may interact with ADHD medications, so it is essential to be honest about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It helped improve ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you’re taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a variety of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the number of participants in these studies was limited.
The medication can also cause some adverse effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are usually minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn’t occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact the results of a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform an placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible remedies for adhd in adults sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice a day. It’s also associated with some serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes extreme fear and nervousness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.
People with ADHD may experience anxiety, and. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD — such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior — can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can ease anxiety symptoms, as can non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, however these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and can be effective in treating anxiety and adhd medication in the uk together. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help you manage these issues. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating sleep and stress levels, and including exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve anxiety and depression symptoms if combined together with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslike fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin 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, so named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially 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 improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the sensitivity of a person to sounds. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 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 providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Learn more about our services and book an appointment now.
