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 condition can often help the second. Mental health professionals typically prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression in addition to 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 and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can also be administered via the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is important to inform your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may have. Some medications, particularly stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In some cases you may require both a medication to treat anxiety and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can you get adhd Medication without a diagnosis also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.

When taking methylphenidate, you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications therefore, if you experience trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

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

Adults who suffer from ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these issues to help them feel better and perform their best medicine for adhd and social anxiety at work and at home. Certain medication used to treat mental disorders may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to be honest about any other medical concerns.

Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, as they involve a variety of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these disorders and may increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD or adhd medication intuniv. They usually work by increasing the quantity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and have a low potential for misuse and abuse.

The medication showed promising results in studies conducted with adults with ADHD, anxiety or depression. It improved ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use.

It is crucial to inform your doctor if taking any other medication, including MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as the methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and the tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications are not recommended to be taken within 14 days of taking lisdexamfetamine. Consult your physician whether you are allergic 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 the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

A variety of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies include 9 controlled trials that were randomized and 2 post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of improvement in symptom severity and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the size of the study was small.

This medication can cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually mild and do not occur for everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies of adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In a recent research study, atomoxetine was more effective than placebo when treating adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and safest adhd medication. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective for 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 comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend the drug in capsules, usually taken once or twice daily. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches and breath shortness, and emotions like anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms, despite trying to reduce them.

Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of disappointment or failure.

Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these drugs are different from stimulants.

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They can be prescribed alone or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changes in routine and lifestyle can be beneficial in managing these disorders. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, managing your stress and sleep patterns, and including fitness into your routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In certain situations an expert in mental health may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, and therefore can help improve depressive symptoms and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain to improve 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, named after the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These drugs include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.

Tricyclics can also help sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should refrain from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.

Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.