How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone has ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's a part of a group of medications called central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain situations, you might require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It may also raise blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should make regular appointments with your physician to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing, so let your doctor know whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults 6 years of age and older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these disorders to help them feel better and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Some drugs used to treat mental disorders may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger various symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these ailments, and they can enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount 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 with ADHD and anxiety or depression, the medication showed promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being used, such as MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication is not recommended as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine 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 symptoms and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the overall number of participants in these studies was limited.
The medication can cause some adverse effects, including 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. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the medication. These trials did not lead to suicides.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact in an earlier study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that increases a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen them.
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.
Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, most effective adhd medication for adults are different from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some instances the mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in 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 properties. These medicines 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 should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know how they will react to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about our services and make an appointment today.