How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both
adhd depression medication and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with 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 as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication to treat adults with
Adhd medication Names For adults and depression as well as anxiety. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain
natural adhd medication substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of tablets, liquids chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is also available through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations, you might require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant drug.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep 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 with a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. It is vital to drink enough 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 medications. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these disorders to help them feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Certain medications that treat mental illnesses may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to be open about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments, and they can enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It helped improve ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor if any other medications are taking place for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of 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 process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person seek treatment from a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
There have been a variety of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to note that the sample size of these studies was small.
The medication can cause some side effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in all people who take the medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies of children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. Further research is needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms 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 is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help with concentration and impulse control. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that triggers an intense fear and a sense of nervousness. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as dread or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.
Some people with ADHD also develop anxiety.
over the counter adhd medication for adults condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and inability.
Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them alone or with a stimulant, though they are typically not prescribed to adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking with 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. You can, for example try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and including exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In certain situations an expert in mental health may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve anxiety and depression symptoms if combined together with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to 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 are named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the sensitivity of a person to sounds. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. Patients taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. Klarity can help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.