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

If someone has ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions 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 frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these conditions worse. 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 blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and nursing, so let your doctor know if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.

You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines, so if you have trouble eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults who are six years old and up. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to make people feel better and do their best at work and at home. Certain medications that treat mental illnesses can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to be open about any other medical concerns.

Depression and anxiety can be complex due to the fact that both can trigger a wide range of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They also can improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.

The medication produced promising results in studies involving adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.

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

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the reuptake neurotransmitter. The drug increases levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the size of the study was small.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine may also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In a recent study, atomoxetine was more effective than placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is needed to determine whether the atomoxetine medication can be used effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and boosting it can help concentration and control impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. There are also serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and feelings of dread or panic. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce their symptoms.

Some people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions, and also a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like here forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can cause feelings of frustration and inability.

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

Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating exercise in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional could recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, and therefore can help improve depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to improve 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 for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were first designed as antipsychotics, and later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

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

Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more information and make an appointment today.