How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first can usually improve the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.
adhd medication for adults uk (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as tablets, liquids, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.
It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It should not be taken by people who have an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you take it. Consult your physician if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults six years old and up. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these disorders so that they can be more comfortable and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses can interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be honest about any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve concentration and focus in people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain. They have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication produced promising results. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function tests. It was also safe to use.
It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days after the use of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.
A variety of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was small.
Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.
As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take further research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice a day. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that triggers extreme fear and nervousness. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen their symptoms.
Some people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues, as well as low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, however these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, managing your stress and sleep patterns and including exercises into your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
In some cases the mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can aid in reducing symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of 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 were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.
Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sounds. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. Patients who are taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.
A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost 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 about it and schedule an appointment today.