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 professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.
Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most common antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine and help improve concentration.
1. Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's part of a group called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication 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 also be given through the skin.
It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders like depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases it is possible to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.
Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.
2. Lisdexamfetamine
Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults aged 6 years and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.
Adults with ADHD frequently suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions to help them feel better and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues you might have.
Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and can help enhance focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.
The medication showed promising results in studies involving adults with ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.
It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) as well as the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.
3. Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. 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 on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.
There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the number of participants in these studies was limited.
The medication is also known to cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, patients who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.
Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In a recent research study, atomoxetine was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.
4. Bupropion
Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that increases a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice a day. It's also linked to more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.
Anxiety is a condition that triggers intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches as well as breathlessness and feelings such as fear or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to lessen their symptoms.
People suffering from ADHD can sometimes develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions, and a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could cause 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 used for ADHD in adults, although these medications work differently than stimulants.
Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe here them alone or along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise in your daily routine.
5. Tricyclic antidepressants
A mental health professional might recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms if combined with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin 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, so named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).
Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness so those 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, getting enough rest and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services and book an appointment now.