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 of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.

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

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is part of a class called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids or an extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is important that you inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because certain medications, including stimulants can cause them worsen. In some cases you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant drug.

Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise blood pressure and heart rate, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should tell your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.

When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. It is vital to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you have problems swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years or older. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. Treatment for these disorders is important to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and home. Some medication that treat mental illnesses can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to discuss any other medical concerns.

Depression and anxiety are both complicated disorders, because they are characterized by a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these disorders and can help enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and have a low potential for misuse and abuse.

In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication had promising results. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.

It is essential to inform your doctor if taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any of the other ingredients in this medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant adhd medication and pregnancy medication used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a number of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were more accurately measured with atomoxetine than the placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was small.

Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect all people who take this medication. Some people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children taking the drug. These trials didn't result in suicides.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine could also be effective in treating co-occurring adhd medication intuniv and anxiety. In fact in an earlier study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is an encouraging result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice a day. There are some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that can cause extreme fear and anxiety and. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and feelings such as dread or fear. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle where to get prescribed adhd medication manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce the severity of their symptoms.

Some people with ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotional issues, as well as low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can cause feelings of frustration and feeling of failure.

Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs are different from stimulants.

Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or in conjunction with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation as well as reducing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms if taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like 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 have potent antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and lower the person's sensitivity 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 balanced diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.