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

If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount 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 to also suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. It is essential to inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them worsen. In certain situations, you might need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your physician to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by those suffering from a genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.

When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you are taking it. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft food or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the class of central nervous system stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD frequently suffer from depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues so that they can feel better and perform at their best both at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health conditions may interact with ADHD medication, so it is important to disclose any other medical issues you might have.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are commonly used to treat these ailments and may improve concentration and focus in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are low-risk for abuse and misuse.

The medication produced promising results in studies conducted with adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also known as read more Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical in the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that a person receives treatment from a qualified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

A variety of studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was very small.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and do not occur for everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies of children and adolescents who took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. More research will be required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your doctor. It's also linked to some serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as anxiety or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce them.

People suffering from ADHD may suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -- can also lead to feelings of disappointment or failure.

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

Antidepressants may be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try yoga or meditation or managing stress and sleep habits, 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 anxiety and depression symptoms if taken with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to boost your mood and decrease 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 are named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and lower the sensitivity of a person to sounds. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they know what reaction they'll have to the medication.

Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment today.