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

If someone suffers from both ADHD and depression or anxiety, treating the first can usually 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 the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It's a part of a group of medications called central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available as tablets that can be chewed, liquid or an extended-release capsule. It can also be given via the skin.

It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. You should inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you might be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some instances, you may need both a anti-anxiety and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase 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 of your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.

You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines, so if you have difficulties eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicine that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medication within the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd inattentive type medication) in adults and children aged 6 years or older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorder in adults.

Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid anxiety and depression. It is important to treat these disorders so that they can feel better and perform their best at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions may affect adhd without medication medication. It is essential to be open about any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, as they involve many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these conditions. They can also improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.

In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety, the medication showed promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.

Inform your doctor if other medications are taking place, such as MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the 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 the reuptake neurotransmitter. By increasing levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves 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 seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

A variety of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from adhd medication Intuniv and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In most cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to note that the overall size of the study was small.

Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, patients who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In fact the results of an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. This is a promising result that suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. More research will be needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a medication that does not stimulate that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may offer you this medication in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. There are also some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense, persistent fear and restlessness. It may cause symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, and feelings of dread or panic. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite trying to manage their symptoms.

Some people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions, and a loss of self-esteem. Untreated adhd medications for adults symptoms, like forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can lead to feelings of frustration and failure.

Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, as can non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs differ from stimulants.

Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in combination with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. This involves talking to a mental health professional, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Changes in routine and lifestyle can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try practicing meditation or yoga, managing insomnia and stress and incorporating physical exercise into your daily life.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can 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 are therefore able to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of 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 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 have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of people to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, so people taking them should refrain from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.

Exercise taking enough rest and eating a balanced diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all aid in reducing adhd medication titration and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment now.