Omer Mascorro
Blog entry by Omer Mascorro
How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression
When a person suffers from both adhd medication making it worse and anxiety or depression, addressing the first condition can often improve the second. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most commonly used antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's part of a group known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is also available through the skin.
It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders like anxiety or depression. It is important that you tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those with an inherited condition known as Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.
When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is important to drink enough fluids when you take it. Ask your doctor if are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. It is essential to treat these issues to help them feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Certain drugs that treat mental illnesses can affect ADHD medication. It is essential to discuss any other medical issues.
Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve various symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and they have a low potential for misuse and abuse.
In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression The medication had promising results. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe for use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if taking any other medication such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor that you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.
A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were more accurately measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.
Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild adhd medication and don't affect all people who take this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children taking the drug. These trials didn't result in suicides.
As dealing with adhd without medication stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in a recent study of people suffering from adhd medication guanfacine and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is a promising outcome which adhd medication is best for me quiz suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor may recommend this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen the severity of their symptoms.
Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can cause feelings of frustration and failure.
Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv adhd Medication, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these drugs work differently than stimulants.
Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician 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 another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels, and including fitness into your routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, so they can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to improve 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 are named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were initially designed as antipsychotics, and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications 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 so people who are taking them should stay away 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 vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.