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

If someone has ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These medications boost levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which aid in improving concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It affects the quantity of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can also be given via the skin.

It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to inform your doctor if you have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants can cause them get worse. In some cases you may have to take stimulants and anti-anxiety medication for odd and adhd.

Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate, so you should make regular appointments with your doctor to monitor these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements on your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic condition called phenylketonuria, who have trouble processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy and nursing, so inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness and blurred vision. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Consult your physician if you have trouble swallowing tablets. Do not crush or chew on these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid food, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks, such as applesauce yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug in the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children six years old and over. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.

Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is important to treat these disorders so that they can be more comfortable and perform at their best both at work and at home. Some medication used to treat mental disorders may interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be honest about any other medical issues.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have various symptoms. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are frequently prescribed to treat these disorders. They can also improve focus and concentration for those with ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing certain neurotransmitters within the brain. They are safe for abuse and misuse.

The drug showed promising results in studies conducted with people suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It decreased the symptoms of depression and anxiety and also improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.

Tell your doctor about any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. Tell your doctor 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 of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seek treatment from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.

There have been a variety of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and 2 post-hoc subgroup analysis. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However it is important to remember that the size of the study was small.

The medication is also known to cause some side effects, including abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and aren't a problem for all people who take this medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on adolescents and children who took the medication. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine is effective in treating anxiety and adhd sleep medication list that are comorbid. In fact, in an investigation of adults suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine was found to outperform a placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments. It will take more study to determine if atomoxetine may be also effective for other types of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control of impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and 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 can cause an intense fear and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and feelings of dread or panic. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.

People suffering from ADHD may develop anxiety, as well. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of frustration or failure.

non stimulant adhd medication-stimulants like atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also assist in easing anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medication like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (Intuniv or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants.

Although antidepressants aren't endorsed 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 another treatment option. This involves talking with a mental health professional and can be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD together. Making changes to your routine and habits can help you manage these issues. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In some cases an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to 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 for the three rings of their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Tricyclics also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sounds. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should refrain from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they know how they'll react to the medication.

Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a healthy diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral 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 care. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.