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

When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first disorder can improve the second. Mental health specialists prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants along with ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and 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 is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as chewable tablets, liquids, or extended-release capsule. It can also be administered via the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these conditions worse. In certain instances it is possible to take 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, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so inform your doctor if you are expecting or planning to become pregnant.

When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid food, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of six years and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder for adults.

Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. The treatment of these conditions is essential to aid people in feeling better and do their best at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental conditions may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to discuss any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have various symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.

In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication had promising results. 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 medications that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication should not be used as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.

A variety of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size of these studies was small.

Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine report 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 can also be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact the results of an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine may be effective in other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical transmits messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. Your doctor might recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and feelings like dread or fear. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce them.

Some people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD like inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.

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

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In some cases an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of the 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 were initially developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are certain of what reaction they'll have to the medication.

Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health care. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment today.