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 prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications boost 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 depression as well as anxiety. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants and works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid or an extended-release capsule. It can also be administered through the skin.

It is not uncommon for those with ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations you may have to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who are unable to process phenylalanine should not take it. It is also risky to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.

While taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medications If you are having trouble eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and up. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to make people feel better and do their best at work and home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety are both complex disorders, because they are characterized by various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They also can improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD/ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are low-risk for misuse and abuse.

The drug showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved intuitive adhd medication ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.

It is important to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the 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 believed to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain to improve alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychiatrist and/or therapist.

There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.

Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect everyone who takes this medication. Some people who use Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact in a recent study types of adhd medication uk people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. 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. More research is needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other different types of adhd medication of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that increases a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your physician. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings such as fear or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to reduce their symptoms.

Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of frustration or failure.

Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you can try yoga or meditation, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating physical 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 however they can help improve anxiety and depression symptoms if combined together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslike fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to improve 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, named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of how they will react to the medication.

Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. If you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health care. Find out more about our services and book an appointment today.