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

If a person is suffering from both adhd without medication and depression or anxiety, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.

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

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids, or an extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.

It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you might be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate can cause side effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications, so if you have difficulty eating solid foods discuss with your doctor about liquid medicines 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 changing the levels of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children aged 6 years and over. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorders for adults.

Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. Treatment of these conditions is crucial to make people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health issues can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.

Depression and anxiety can be complicated because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may increase focus and concentration in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They usually work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.

The drug showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD and depression, as well as anxiety. It improved ADHD ratings as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.

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

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.

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 comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the size of the study was limited.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect all people who take this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children who took the medication. These trials didn't result in suicides.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact the results of a recent study of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform the placebo. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes extreme fear and anxiety and. It can trigger symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.

Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD include 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 help to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used for ADHD in adults, but these medications work differently than stimulants.

Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed 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 anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating your sleep and stress levels, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, and therefore can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter, serotonin, to lift your mood and decrease your 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, so named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. Patients who are taking them should not operate or drive on dangerous equipment until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.

A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a nutritious diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can adhd medication help with memory also help to reduce stress. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.