How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression

If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first condition can often improve the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It is also available via the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.

Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It can be dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.

You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you experience difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew on these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged six years and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.

Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is essential to help people feel better and perform at their best at work and home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is crucial to be open about any other medical issues you might have.

Depression and anxiety can be complicated because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also improve concentration and focus for people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.

In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication produced promising results. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe for use.

Tell your doctor if any other medications are being used for example, MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in this medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to keep in mind that the overall sample size of these studies was small.

Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in everyone who takes the medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research is needed to determine if the atomoxetine medication for adhd and depression can be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your doctor. There are also serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that triggers extreme fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and anxiety or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to manage their symptoms.

Certain people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD like inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.

Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non stimulant adhd medication list-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants.

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also be helpful for managing these disorders. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In some instances the mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and lower a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. Patients who are taking them should not drive or operate dangerous equipment until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.

Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can adhd medication help with memory help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is insurance-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.