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 usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving 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 belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid or an extended-release capsule. It is also available via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Certain medications, especially 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 and stomachaches. best adhd medication for adults uk may also raise blood pressure and heart rate, so you should make regular visits to your physician to check these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.
You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If most effective adhd medication for adults are having difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children six years old and older. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues that you may have.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these ailments. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed 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 non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended 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 number of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better assessed using atomoxetine compared to placebo. However, it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was limited.
This medication can also cause a few side effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically mild and do not occur in everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than a placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that can cause intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and emotions like anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can result in feelings of anger and failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, as can non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating sleep and stress levels and incorporating fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, which can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to boost 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 are named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of a person to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should avoid driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more information and make an appointment today.