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

When a person has both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most effective adhd medication for adults frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression. It's part of a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid or extended-release capsule. It is also available through the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is crucial to tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them worsen. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant drug.

Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.

You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can a general physician prescribe adhd medication cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. 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. It is not recommended to crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are six years old and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to treat these issues in order to be more comfortable and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain drugs used to treat mental disorders may affect ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve many symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also improve focus and concentration for those who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They have a low risk of misuse and abuse.

The drug showed promising results in studies that involved adults with ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It helped improve ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic 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 believed to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, decrease anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist or therapist.

A number of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. However it is important to note that the number of participants in these studies was limited.

This medication is also known to cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for everyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who prescribes medication for adhd take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who were taking the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like dread or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to lessen the severity of their symptoms.

People with ADHD may suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can cause feelings of frustration and inability.

Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat adhd anxiety medication in adults, however these drugs work differently than stimulants.

While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction together with a stimulant, but they typically aren't used in children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as mild adhd medication. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In certain situations, a mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can sometimes improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.

Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.

Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can also reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for easy, cost-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.