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

If a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant 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 suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.

It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them to get worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate can have side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also risky to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.

You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew these medicines. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity 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 are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these disorders so that they can be more comfortable and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental disorders may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to discuss any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are commonly used to treat these ailments and may enhance 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.

The drug showed promising results in studies that involved people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.

It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the 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 neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist and/or therapist.

A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to 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.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect anyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children taking the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine may be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take more research to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may offer you the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice daily. It's also linked to some more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as anxiety or fear. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to lessen them.

Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause emotional and relationship problems, as well as low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and failure.

Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these disorders. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, managing your stress and sleep patterns and including fitness into your routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional might recommend antidepressants to you click here as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within your brain 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 were initially developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of people to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. The people taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.

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