How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first condition can often 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 two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the top choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It's part of a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or an extended-release capsule. It can also be administered through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations it is possible to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who are unable to process phenylalanine should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or nursing, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to 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 nerve system stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and up. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to feel better and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Some drugs used to treat mental conditions may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies conducted with adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being used for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the 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 neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication should not be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist and/or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized 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 placebo. However it is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.
The medication can also cause some side effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect anyone who takes this medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children taking the medication. adult adhd medication did not lead to suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than a placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are also serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and anxiety or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack 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 reduce anxiety symptoms, as do nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation or managing sleep and stress and incorporating physical exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment program. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your 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, so named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of a person to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so people taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. 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. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.