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

If a person is suffering from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first can usually help the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression in addition to an ADHD medication.

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

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the top choice treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet, or an extended-release capsule. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is important that you inform your doctor if are suffering from depression or anxiety as certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some cases you may have to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rates and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who are unable to process the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications, so if you have difficulties eating solid food, talk to your doctor about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce 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 within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years or older. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these disorders to help them feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental disorders may interfere negatively with concerta adhd medication medication. It is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD/ADHD. They are effective by increasing certain neurotransmitters inside the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.

The medication showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.

It is important to tell your doctor if you're taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to note, however, that this medication is not intended to be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a variety of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post hoc subgroup studies. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the overall size of the study was limited.

Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and don't affect anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in a recent study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating add adhd medications and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. Your doctor might recommend this medication in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that can cause extreme fear and nervousness. It may cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to reduce them.

Certain people suffering from ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated adhd focus medication include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure.

Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can help ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non-stimulant drugs like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications like clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these drugs function differently than stimulants.

Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking to a mental health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating stress and sleep patterns, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin 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 to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of how they will react to the medication.

Exercise and resting enough and eating a diet high 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 behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.