How To Recognize The Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression That Is Right For You
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression When a person has both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health experts prescribe antidepressants and stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed “off-label” for ADHD. These medications boost levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration. 1. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety 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 chewable tablets, liquids or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin. It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these disorders worse. In certain situations, you may need 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 and you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant. While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding. 2. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat the condition of 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 who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. The treatment of these conditions is essential to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to be open about any other medical issues you may have. Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these ailments. They can also improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse. In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication had promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use. Inform your doctor if other medications are being used for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients 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 preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication should not be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist. There have been a number of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. However, it is important to remember that the overall number of participants in these studies was limited. The medication can cause a few side effects, such as abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. adhd treatment without medication are usually minor and are not seen in all people who take the medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children taking the medication. These trials did not lead to suicides. Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact in a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other. 4. Bupropion Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. It's also associated with more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage. Anxiety is a condition that causes intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and emotions like fear or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce them. People with ADHD can develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, 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 failure. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants. Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily routine. 5. Tricyclic antidepressants In some cases an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms if combined along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your 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, so named for the three rings of their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but 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, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication. Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.