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 can usually help the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for adhd medication guanfacine. These drugs increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It belongs to a class called central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is able to 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 tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain instances, you may need to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.

Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions so that they can feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is important to disclose any other medical issues you might have.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess due to the fact that both can trigger various symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these conditions. They also can improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.

The medication produced promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It helped improve ADHD ratings, and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.

It is crucial to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar) and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform 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 medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain, which can doctors prescribe adhd medication increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that this medication should not be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist.

Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small.

Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and don't affect everyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies on children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research will be needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken once or twice daily by your physician. There are some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense, persistent anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and emotions like anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to lessen their symptoms.

People with ADHD may suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and feeling of failure.

Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, but these drugs work 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 aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation or managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating physical exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In certain situations the mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment program. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken alongside stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslike fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can improve your mood and reduce 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, named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were first designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

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

Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains could all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices as well as other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and increase 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 services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.