How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can help the second. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations you may have to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may 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 can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those suffering from an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is essential to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. Ask your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines, so if you have difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults 6 years of age and over. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues so that they can be more comfortable and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, so it is essential to be open about any other medical issues that you may have.
how to treat adhd without medication in adults and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and they have a low risk of misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication had promising results. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not 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 (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a myriad of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. However, it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.
This medication is also known to cause some side effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect everyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the drug. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an earlier study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine if the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. There are also some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and emotions like fear or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce them.
Some people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant medications like 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, although these drugs function differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. 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 your lifestyle and routine can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could try practicing meditation or yoga, managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslike fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -- increase your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to 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 were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the person's sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. Patients taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.