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 can usually improve 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 most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost 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's a part of a group of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants and is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids or an extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. 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 headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those with a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults who are six years old and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to make people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medications used to treat mental conditions can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these disorders and can help enhance focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. medication for add adults is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
This medication is also known to cause some side effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are typically minor and do not affect everyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will require more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be effective in other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice daily. It's also linked to more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
Some people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can result in feelings of anger and 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, however these medications work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. 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 meditation or yoga, managing your insomnia and stress levels, and adding exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment program. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to reduce anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as 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 are named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure 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 that is rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Find out more information and make an appointment today.