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

When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating the first disorder can improve the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication.

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

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of chewable tablets, liquids or extended-release capsule. It can also be given through the skin.

It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders like depression or anxiety. It is crucial to inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, including stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some cases it is possible to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. It is vital to drink enough fluids while you take it. Consult your physician if you have trouble swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew these medicines. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

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

Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these issues to help them be more comfortable and perform at their best at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, so it is important to be honest about any other medical issues you might have.

Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are often prescribed to treat these conditions, and they can enhance focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the quantity of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low risk of misuse and abuse.

In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression, the medication showed promising results. It decreased the symptoms of anxiety and depression and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe for use.

It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) or linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be used for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician if you have an allergy to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in this medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking reuptake neurotransmitter. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug enhances alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depression symptoms. It is important to remember that this medication is not recommended as a stand-alone treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person seek treatment from a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

There have been a myriad of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled studies that are randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, both improvement in symptoms and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than the placebo. However it is important to keep in mind that the overall sample size of these studies was limited.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed in everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine could be effective in treating co-occurring ADHD and anxiety. In fact in an investigation of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. More research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a nonstimulant drug boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules typically taken once or twice daily. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and anxiety or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage their symptoms.

Certain people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause problems with emotions and relationships, and a loss of self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD like forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.

Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, but these drugs function 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 are rarely prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating sleep and stress levels and incorporating exercises into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These medications aren't FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms if taken together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to boost your mood and reduce anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- such as mirtazapine (Remeron) and nefazodone (Serzone) -- also lift your get more info mood by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin that your brain's chemical messengers release. Tricyclic antidepressants, so named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, nortriptyline and imipramine.

Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.

Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help to improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. If you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Find out more and schedule an appointment today.