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

If a person suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety treating one of the conditions often improves the other. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression along with an ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are the two most effective adhd medication common antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is also known as the brand name Ritalin, is the first-choice medication for adhd and odd to treat adults with ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It's part of a group 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 an extended-release capsule. It is also available through the skin.

It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Some medications, particularly stimulants can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant drug.

Methylphenidate can cause side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be added to soft food or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults who are aged 6 years and over. It can also be used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.

Adults suffering from ADHD are often afflicted by depression and anxiety disorders. It is essential to treat these conditions in order to be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Some medications used to treat mental disorders may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger a variety of symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also help improve concentration and focus for people who suffer from ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low potential for misuse and abuse.

The medication produced promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from adhd focus medication or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It reduced the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.

Tell your doctor if any other medications are being used for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. Inform your doctor whether you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any of the other ingredients in this medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a non stimulant adhd medication-stimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to note 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 minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. More research is required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that increases a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help in focusing and controlling impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your physician. It's also been linked to more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that causes intense, persistent anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like dread or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite attempts to manage them.

People suffering from ADHD may suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can result in feelings of anger and failure.

Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants.

Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, your doctor may prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a different treatment option. This involves talking to an expert in mental health, and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these conditions. You can, for example, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In some cases the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but they can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms when taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorslike fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to lift 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, named for the three rings in their chemical structure, were originally developed as antipsychotics and later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so those who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.

Exercise and resting enough, and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also help to reduce stress. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.