How to Choose the best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression (Full File)
When a person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD “off-label”. These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD low estrogen and adhd medication anxiety or depression. It’s part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain situations, you may need to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications therefore, if you experience trouble eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults aged 6 years and older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medication that treat mental illnesses can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these conditions and may enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being used, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether 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 neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It what is the most common adhd medication prescribed recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were more accurately measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. However, it is important to keep in mind that the overall number of participants in these studies was small.
This medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen in all people who take the medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials didn’t result in suicides.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will require more studies to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice a day. There are some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.
People with ADHD can develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause issues with emotions and relationships, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could cause feelings of frustration and inability.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as can nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven’t been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can doctors prescribe adhd medication prescribe them alone or along with a stimulant. However, they typically aren’t used in adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation as well as reducing insomnia and stress and incorporating physical exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. These medications aren’t FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when taken with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors — such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) — increase your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen a person’s sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. The people taking them shouldn’t drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also reduce stress. And, if you’re struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more information and make an appointment today.