How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It's part of a group called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet, or extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular visits to your physician to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. If you have problems taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications, so if you have difficulty eating solid foods, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines 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 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 also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is essential to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems can interact with ADHD medications, so it is essential to be open about any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these conditions. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication produced promising results. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person 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 comprise nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. However it is important to keep in mind that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.
This medication can also cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and are not observed for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who were taking the drug. These trials didn't result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an earlier study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than an placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. It's also associated with some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that can cause intense fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like inattention and impulsiveness, could cause feelings of frustration and inability.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, however these drugs function differently than stimulants.
While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction with a stimulant, though they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating your insomnia and stress levels, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances, a mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. medication for adults with add approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can aid in reducing symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, 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 are named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of what reaction they'll have to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.