How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain instances, you may need to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.
While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is vital to drink enough fluids when you take it. Consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. how to treat adhd without medication in adults is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines. 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 that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults 6 years of age and up. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to treat these disorders to help them feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental conditions can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to be open about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and can help enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults with 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 essential to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if 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 thought to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug boosts levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is not intended to be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist and/or therapist.
A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with children and adolescents taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an earlier study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will take further research to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice daily. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes an intense fear and a sense of nervousness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen them.
People with ADHD can sometimes develop anxiety, as well. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.
Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as can nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise into your daily life.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. how to treat adhd without medication in adults can therefore help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of 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 as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, enhance sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. The people who are taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.
Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more information and make an appointment today.