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 condition can often improve the second. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication.

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

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the top choice medication for adults with ADHD or anxiety depression. It's a part of a group of drugs 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 tablets, liquids chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin.

It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important that you tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because some medications, especially stimulants, can cause them to get worse. In certain situations it is possible to take both a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rate and therefore, you should schedule regular visits to your physician to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic condition called Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should let your doctor know whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. It is vital to drink enough fluids when you take it. If you are having difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications therefore, if you experience difficulties eating solid food discuss with your doctor about liquid medications used for Adhd that can be mixed with soft food or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a drug that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults with ADHD often have comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment for these disorders is important to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and at home. Some medication used to treat mental disorders can interact negatively with ADHD medication. It is crucial to be honest about any other medical concerns.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse.

In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication had promising results. It reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe for use.

Inform your doctor if other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid, as well as Methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be consumed within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredient in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also referred to as strattera adhd medication, is a nonstimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication is not recommended to be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that an individual seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a myriad of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In most cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.

The medication can also cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically mild and do not occur for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who were taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating comorbid ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in a recent study of people suffering from ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed an placebo. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. Further research is required to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of adhd medication of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant, increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken once or twice daily by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that can cause an intense fear and a sense of nervousness. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, as well as feelings of dread or panic. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to manage their symptoms despite trying to reduce their symptoms.

People suffering from ADHD can sometimes suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, like the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can result in feelings of anger and failure.

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

Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these conditions. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing stress and sleep habits and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD however they can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms when taken along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in your brain, which can aid in reducing symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to boost 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, so named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These medicines include imipramine (Tofranil) and amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce a person’s sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness so people who are taking them should stay away from driving or operating dangerous equipment until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.

Exercise taking enough rest and eating a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health care. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.