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

If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first condition can often help the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to tell your doctor if you are suffering from depression or anxiety as certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.

Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. It is vital to drink enough fluids while you are taking it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks, such as applesauce pudding, or yogurt.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. Treatment of these conditions is important to help people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and at home. Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders may affect ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical concerns.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are frequently used to treat these conditions, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.

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

Tell your doctor about any other medications are being taken, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the use of the use of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.

The medication can also cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect all people who take this medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of adolescents and children taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact, in an investigation of adults with adhd medication pregnancy and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating adhd inattentive type medication and anxiety in combination with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more studies to determine if atomoxetine can be effective in other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your physician. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage their symptoms.

Certain people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause emotional and relationship problems, as well as low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.

Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, however these drugs work differently than stimulants.

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing adhd without medication adults these disorders. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating your sleep and stress levels, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, and therefore can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the 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 were originally developed to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of people to noise, improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.

Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Find out more information and make an appointment today.