A Step-By-Step Guide For Choosing Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression If a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression in addition to an ADHD medication. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD “off-label”. These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration. 1. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's part of a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them get worse. In some cases you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant drug. Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with 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 let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines If you are having difficulty eating solid foods discuss with your doctor about liquid medications 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 nerve system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children six years old and over. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults. Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these issues in order to feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Certain medication that treat mental illnesses may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical concerns. Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are commonly prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD/ADHD. They usually work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low potential for misuse and abuse. In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication had promising results. It improved ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use. It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to 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 believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist and/or therapist. A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include 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 symptoms and cognitive function. However, it is important to remember that the number of participants in these studies was limited. The medication is also known to cause some side effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These effects are usually mild and do not occur in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of children and adolescents taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials. Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact the results of a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than an placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine may be effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid. 4. Bupropion Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. medication for add adults I Am Psychiatry is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice a day. There are also serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage. Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to manage the severity of their symptoms. Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, and a loss of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and failure. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, although these medications work differently than stimulants. Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these disorders. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, regulating your sleep and stress levels, and including exercises into your daily routine. 5. Tricyclic antidepressants A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve anxiety and depression symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) — increase your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to boost 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 were originally developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine. Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness therefore, those taking them should refrain from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication. Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also reduce stress. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.