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

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

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications 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, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants and is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of a liquid, chewable tablet, or extended-release capsule. It is also available through the skin.

It is not unusual for people who suffer from ADHD also to be afflicted by mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is essential to tell your doctor if you suffer from depression or anxiety because some medications, especially stimulants, can cause them to worsen. In some cases you may have to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your blood pressure and heart rate which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People suffering from phenylketonuria (a genetic condition) who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It can be dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.

You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you take it. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your physician about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications If you are having difficulty eating solid foods consult your physician about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft foods or drinks like yogurt, applesauce, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is an anthelminthic medication that belongs to the family of central nervous system stimulants. It affects the levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It can also be used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.

Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. It is crucial to treat these issues to help them be more comfortable and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is essential to disclose any other medical issues you may have.

Depression and anxiety are both complex conditions, since they can trigger many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, like Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are frequently used to treat these conditions, and they can improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD or ADHD. They are effective by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for misuse and abuse.

In studies of LDX in adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication had promising results. It helped improve ADHD ratings, as well as executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe for use.

Tell your doctor about any other medications are taking place for any reason, including MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid and linezolid, methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting 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 as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead, it is recommended that an individual receives treatment from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

A number of studies have been conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and other anxiety disorders that are comorbid. These studies comprise 9 controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analysis. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on 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 is also known to cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minimal and are not observed for everyone who takes the medication. Certain people who take atomoxetine have reported thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies of children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In a recent research study, atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used in conjunction with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more research to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that increases a chemical in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid in focusing and controlling impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken once or twice daily by your physician. There are some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that can cause extreme fear and nervousness. It can cause symptoms like headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to lessen their symptoms.

People with ADHD can suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues, as well as low self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, like inattention and impulsiveness, could result in feelings of anger and feeling of failure.

Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications such as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be prescribed for ADHD in adults, although these medications work differently than stimulants.

Although antidepressants aren't endorsed by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them on their own or in conjunction together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these conditions. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation as well as reducing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In certain situations, a mental health professional may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, which can improve 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 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 were initially developed as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor).

Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and read more reduce the person's sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. Patients taking them shouldn't operate machinery or drive until they know the reaction they will experience to the medication.

Exercise, getting enough rest, and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can help reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed professionals for convenient, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about our services and book an appointment today.