If you’re looking for the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety and depression, you’re not alone. There are dozens of medications available. There are also several newer ones that have been approved in the last few years. These include Intuniv, Strattera, Guanfacine, Methylphenidate, and others. Learn about them to make an informed decision about your child’s treatment.
Intuniv
There are a few types of ADHD medication, and one of them is called stimulant medication. Stimulants are not safe for long-term use, and they can lead to a variety of side effects. Non stimulant medications, such as guanfacine, are an alternative and may be used along with stimulants as part of a treatment program. These medications may also include behavioral therapy, educational measures, and psychological counseling.
Intuniv is not addictive and is available in several doses. The usual starting dosage is 1 milligram per week, and the dosage is increased by one milligram per week until the patient reaches the desired target dose of 3 milligrams per day. The recommended dosage range is three to four milligrams per day, and it can take up to three or four weeks to see a significant improvement in symptoms.
Strattera ADHD Medication
Compared to other ADHD medications, Strattera has a longer-acting effect. It also contains antidepressant properties. It is not addictive, and it doesn’t produce the euphoric feeling that stimulant medications do. The downside to this medication is that it may cause appetite suppression and insomnia. In addition to these potential side effects, Strattera can also cause depression and bipolar disorder. Some patients may even experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions.
Although no suicides have been reported in trials of STRATTERA, patients and their families should keep a close eye on the emergence of new symptoms. If these symptoms occur suddenly, they should contact their health professional and inform their family of the potential occurrence.
Guanfacine ADHD Medication
Guanfacine is a non-selective, psychostimulant ADHD medication that can be prescribed as a standalone treatment or alongside a stimulant. It is able to control symptoms that are not adequately managed by stimulants, including inattention, impulsivity, and sleep disturbances. However, it should be noted that this drug is a Schedule II drug, meaning that its potential for abuse is high.
This non-stimulant ADHD medication is often used in combination with stimulants and behavioral therapy. However, it should not be used by people with substance use disorders or other medical conditions. Instead, patients may be prescribed guanfacine, in the extended-release formulation Intuniv. Behavioral therapy, educational measures, and psychological counseling are also common approaches to treating this disorder.
Methylphenidate
This medication was shown to be effective in treating adult patients with anxiety and depression. Many studies have been conducted to support its use. In addition to clinical trials, methylphenidate has also been shown to be beneficial for certain patient populations. For example, it has been found to be effective in treating depression in patients with bipolar disorder, stroke, and AIDS. However, it is important to tell your physician if you have a heart disorder or a history of irregular heartbeat.
The medication has also been studied in a controlled study on medically ill older adults. The study concluded that the medication was effective in reducing symptoms, such as fatigue, apathy, and low self-esteem. Nevertheless, the researchers concluded that larger studies are required to determine whether the medication has clinical importance.
Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is a prescription medication that was approved by the FDA in 1985. This medication is often used to treat the seasonal affective disorder and has also been shown to help smokers quit. It works by increasing the levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Because of its effectiveness, it is sometimes prescribed as an “off-label” ADHD treatment.
Wellbutrin acts on neurotransmitters in the brain to help combat anxiety and depression. It blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Although reuptake is a normal part of the body, blocking it increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the brain. The higher concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the brain mean that they can better send messages to other nerve cells.
