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

If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals usually prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression along with an ADHD medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently prescribed antidepressants prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD or anxiety depression. It's a part of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken as tablets, liquids chewable tablets, extended-release capsules. It can also be given through the skin.

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

Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates and therefore, you should schedule regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable, rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing the phenylalanine drug should not take it. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. It is important to inform your doctor if you plan to get pregnant.

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

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an antidepressant that is part of the family of central nervous system stimulants. It works by altering the quantity of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults six years old and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults who suffer from ADHD typically suffer from comorbid anxiety and depression. The treatment of these conditions is crucial to aid people in feeling better and perform at their best at work and home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health issues may interact with ADHD medications, so it is essential to disclose any other medical issues you may have.

Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments, and they can increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD/ADHD. They typically improve the amount of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. They are not likely to cause misuse and abuse.

In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression, the medication showed promising results. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use.

Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) or phenelzine selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken for 14 days after the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is thought to work by blocking the neurotransmitter reuptake. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to note that this medication should not be used as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist.

Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise 9 randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better measured with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to note that the sample size in these studies was very small.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically mild and do not occur for everyone who takes the medication. In some cases, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who were taking the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact the results of an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than an placebo. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take further studies to determine if atomoxetine can be effective in other forms 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. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Increasing it can help with concentration and impulse control. Your doctor may recommend this drug in capsule form, usually taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with more serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense, persistent fear and anxiety. It may cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as anxiety or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them.

Certain people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. If not treated, ADHD symptoms, such as the tendency to forget and impulsiveness can lead to feelings of frustration and inability.

Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine can ease anxiety symptoms, as can nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medications such as clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, but these drugs work differently than stimulants.

Antidepressants are often prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or together with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. Talking with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these disorders. You can, for example try meditation or yoga, regulating your insomnia and stress levels, and including fitness into your routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional may recommend antidepressants to you as part of your treatment. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve anxiety and depression symptoms if used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can lift your mood and decrease anxiety. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors -- such as mirtazapine (Remeron) and nefazodone non prescription adhd medication (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 in their chemical structure, were first created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics also decrease the sensitivity of a person to noise, enhance sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should refrain from driving or operating equipment that is dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.

Numerous lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including exercise, getting enough sleep and eating a nutritious diet high in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed providers who offer convenient online mental health services that is affordable and easy to access. Find out more about our services and book an appointment today.