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How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person has both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can 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 depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations, you may need to take an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those suffering from an inherited condition known as Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. It is vital to drink enough fluids while you take it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medications 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 class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and over. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and home. Some drugs used to treat mental disorders may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve a variety of symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these ailments and can help improve concentration and focus in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.
The drug showed promising results in studies that involved people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped improve ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist or therapist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. medications for adhd is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and do not affect all people who take this medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study, atomoxetine was more effective than placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and inability.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs work differently from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation or managing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction together with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within your brain to improve your mood and decrease 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 to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also decrease a person's sensitivity to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should refrain from driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about our services and make an appointment now.
