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 help the second. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression, or antidepressants in conjunction with mild adhd medication medication.

Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, and improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the most popular medication to treat adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken in the form of a tablet, liquid, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It is also available 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 essential to inform your doctor if have anxiety or depression because some medications, especially stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In certain situations you may have to take both stimulants and anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate may cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate and therefore, you should schedule regular visits to your physician to examine these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have difficulty metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It is also not recommended to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

You shouldn't operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can doctors prescribe adhd medication cause dizziness, blurred vision and drowsiness. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. You should not chew or crush these medications If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, talk to your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It affects the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults six years old and up. It is also used to treat binge eating disorders in adults.

Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment for these disorders is crucial to make people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and at home. Some medication for inattentive adhd that treat mental illnesses may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to discuss any other medical concerns.

Depression and anxiety can be complicated because they both have a wide range of symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these disorders and can help enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and have a low risk of misuse and abuse.

The medication showed promising results in studies involving people suffering from ADHD, anxiety or depression. It reduced the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and it improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be taken for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also inform your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also called Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug increases levels of this chemical in the brain, which can increase alertness, reduce anxiety, and depression symptoms. It is important to note that this medication is not intended to be used as a standalone treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a number of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In the majority of cases the atomoxetine treatment outperformed placebo in both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the size of the study was small.

This medication can also cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are usually minimal and are not observed in everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials involving adolescents and children who can prescribe adhd medication took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In a recent study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than a placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this drug may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine is also effective for other types of adhd medication anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor may offer you this drug in capsule form typically taken once or twice a day. It's also associated with some more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a condition that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches as well as breathlessness and feelings like fear or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce their symptoms.

Certain people with ADHD also develop anxiety. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsiveness, could lead to feelings of frustration and failure.

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

Antidepressants can be prescribed by your physician to treat ADHD. They may be prescribed on their own or together with stimulants. However they are rarely prescribed to children and teenagers. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be beneficial in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help you manage these issues. For instance, you could try practicing meditation or yoga or managing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In certain situations the mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve anxiety and depression symptoms if used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They can therefore help to improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro), increase levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to boost your mood and decrease 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 of their chemical structure, were initially created as antipsychotics but were later found to have powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also help sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease the person's sensitivity to sound. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, those taking them should refrain from driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication.

Exercise taking enough rest, and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. Klarity can assist you in finding licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health care that is insurance-free and convenient. Find out more about our services, and then make an appointment today.