How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first can usually improve the second. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. adhd medication uk is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can also be given via the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain situations it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.
Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by people who have an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines, so if you have trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft food or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and over. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment of these conditions is crucial to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.
The medication produced promising results in studies conducted with adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It helped improve ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.
Inform your doctor if other medications are being taken for any reason, including 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. Inform your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. However, it is important to keep in mind that the number of participants in these studies was small.
Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent research study, atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research will be needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate 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 drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like dread or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to manage them.
Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can cause feelings of frustration and inability.
Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can ease anxiety symptoms, as do non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.
Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or together with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these disorders. You could, for instance try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and adding fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to improve your mood and reduce your 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, named after the three rings in their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of a person to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so people taking them should refrain from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.
Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could 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 help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.