Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Pamelor™ (nortriptyline), Tofranil® (imipramine) and Norpramin® (desipramine) have been shown to be helpful in children and adults with ADHD, but they can cause some unpleasant side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation or urinary problems. They are also relatively inexpensive.
Some antidepressants, such as imipramine, desipramine, and bupropion have been effective in treating major depression, anxiety disorders, and ADHD in adults.
ADHD medications approved for adults include methylphenidate; Focalin, Focalin XR; Concerta; Daytrana; Metadate CD; and the amphetamines, Adderall XR and Vyvanse.
Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD generally do not worsen anxiety symptoms, and non-stimulants are considered second-line pharmacological treatments for comorbid ADHD and anxiety. A combination of medicine and therapy, however, has been found to be most beneficial for individuals with ADHD and anxiety.
Like stimulants, antidepressant drugs raise your brain's levels of chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Doctors have found that these drugs can help people with ADHD improve their attention span. They also help keep a lid on behavior like being impulsive, hyperactive, or aggressive.
Serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors have not been tested in controlled trials, but they cause inconsistent changes, often aggravate ADHD symptoms, and can cause frontal apathy and disinhibition.
A number of studies have shown that stimulants and nonstimulants do not have an interaction effect with SSRIs, so patients with ADHD and depression can generally take these medications simultaneously without any contraindication.
Since stimulants like Adderall are often used to manage ADHD and depression is often treated with antidepressants, that begs the question: Can you take both Adderall and antidepressants? In short, yes.
Both disorders bring mood problems, forgetfulness, and inability to focus, but there are slight differences. Emotions: ADHD moods are transient, precipitated by a setback. Depressive moods are pervasive & chronic. Motivation: Individuals with ADHD are overwhelmed by deciding what to do first.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for people with depression. These have been tried for ADHD: Escitalopram (Lexapro) Sertraline (Zoloft)
Treatment for ADHD and anxiety typically includes medication, therapy, or a combination of both. But there are also lifestyle changes that can help you manage both conditions. “People with both ADHD and anxiety can cope by learning to manage both conditions,” Roberts says.
Differences. The symptoms of ADHD are slightly different from those of anxiety. ADHD symptoms mainly involve issues with focus and concentration. Anxiety symptoms, on the other hand, involve issues with nervousness and fear.
The guidelines recommend treating the ADHD first, with a stimulant, and addressing the remaining anxiety with behavioral therapies and medication.
ADHD and Anxiety Disorders
This is often accompanied by feelings of restlessness, being "keyed up" or constantly on edge, problems with concentration (or mind going blank), sleep disturbances, muscle tension, irritability, fatigue, and feeling overwhelmed.
More often than not, when a person over the age of 10 is diagnosed with ADHD, he or she complains of feeling anxious, depressed, or sad. Sometimes the complaint indicates a co-existing anxiety disorder or depression, but often, symptoms of anxiety and unhappiness arise because of untreated ADD.
If your child seems hyperactive--fidgety, impulsive, and inattentive--don't automatically assume that they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anxiety, depression, learning disorders, physical health, and many other conditions can cause symptoms that look like ADHD but aren't.
Medications for ADHD
There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Half (52%) of adults with ADHD will experience GAD in their lifetimes – opposed to only 5% of adults in the general population.
In children and adolescents ages 6-18, Zoloft is used to treat OCD. The safety and effectiveness of Zoloft has not been established to treat any other condition in children and adolescents under age 18. Zoloft is not an FDA-approved ADHD medication. Physicians may recommend a reduced dose for adults over age 65.
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
If symptoms of ADHD are more impairing, treatment guidelines recommend that medication for this disorder be prescribed first. If symptoms of depression are of greater concern, these may need to be addressed as well. In some cases, antidepressants may be prescribed in addition to the medication used to treat ADHD.
Drinking alcohol with stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin can be dangerous. This combination can lead to serious complications like alcohol poisoning and heart problems. Alcohol can also worsen ADHD symptoms and make stimulants less effective. No ADHD medication is safe to take with alcohol.