5 Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression-Related Lessons From The Professionals
5 Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression-Related Lessons From The Professionals
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How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first disorder can improve the second. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the most popular medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's part of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or an extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a drug in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults 6 years of age and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is important to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders can affect ADHD medication. It is important to be open about any other medical concerns.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies that involved adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication is not recommended as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was very small.
This medication can also cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. Further research is required to determine if the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain called noradrenaline. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken at least twice a day by your doctor. It's also associated with more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that triggers intense fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.
Some people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The get more info condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD include the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of anger or disappointment.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help 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.
While antidepressants aren't approved 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 children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. You could, for instance try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your insomnia and stress levels, and including exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, so they can help improve depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to boost 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 were initially developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness therefore, those who are taking them should stay away from 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 high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy like cognitive behavior therapy, can also help to reduce stress. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.