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 often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It can be taken as tablets, liquids chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations, you might require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults six years old and up. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these disorders in order to be more comfortable and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is crucial to disclose any other medical issues you may have.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also improve focus and concentration for those who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression, the medication showed promising results. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to note that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist and/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 comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the number of participants in these studies was small.
This medication is also known to cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are usually minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take further study to determine if atomoxetine may 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 transmits messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your physician. It's also associated with more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that can cause an intense fear and a sense of nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and emotions like anxiety or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce them.
Certain people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can cause feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or together with a stimulant, but they typically aren't used in children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing insomnia and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as 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) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can lift your mood and decrease your 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 originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. The people taking them shouldn't operate machinery or drive until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a healthy diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental check here health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.