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

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

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor, (venlafaxine), are two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed for ADHD "off-label". These medications increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also help improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken as a tablet, liquid chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not uncommon for those who suffer from ADHD to also suffer from mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may have. Certain medications, specifically stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain instances you may have to take an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise blood pressure and heart rates, so you should make regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It may also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by people who have a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.

When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause blurred vision, dizziness and sleepiness. It is vital to drink enough fluids when you are taking it. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. You should not crush or chew these medications. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, ask your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed into soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a medication that belongs to the family of central nerve system stimulants. It affects the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children aged 6 years and over. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults with ADHD are often afflicted by anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these disorders so that they can feel better and [Redirect Only] perform at their best, both at work and at home. Some medications that are typically used to treat mental health issues can interact with ADHD medications, so it is essential to be open about any other medical issues that you may have.

Depression and anxiety are both complicated conditions, since they can trigger many symptoms. Some antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine), are often prescribed to treat these disorders, and they can enhance focus and concentration for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They typically work by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. They have a low risk of misuse and abuse.

The medication showed promising results in studies that involved adults suffering from ADHD or depression, anxiety or ADHD. It helped reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measures. It was also safe to use.

It is crucial to inform your doctor if taking any other medications such as MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) as well as Methylene blue, the phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medicines should not be taken within 14 days of lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredient in the medication.

3. Atomoxetine

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is also used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing reuptake of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a number of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases, both improvement in symptom and cognition function were better assessed with atomoxetine than placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size in these studies was very small.

This medication can cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for anyone who takes this medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported during short-term clinical studies on children and adolescents who took the drug. However, suicides didn't occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent study, atomoxetine was more effective than a placebo in treating adults with social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective for treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. Further research is needed to determine whether atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other types of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion is a nonstimulant medication that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms like stomachaches, headaches shortness of breath, as well as feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce the severity of their symptoms.

People suffering from ADHD may develop anxiety, as well. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. The symptoms of untreated ADHD -- such as forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of frustration or failure.

Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help reduce anxiety symptoms, as can non-stimulant medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera adhd medication) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication given for adhd like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine, (intuniv adhd medication or Tenex) can be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants.

Antidepressants are often prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However they aren't typically prescribed to adolescents and children. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. This involves talking with an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and safest adhd medication together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditation or yoga, regulating stress and sleep patterns and adding fitness into your routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In some instances, a mental health professional might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment program. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however they can occasionally improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when used in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within your brain, which can help improve depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain 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 first came into use as antipsychotics, but were later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These medications include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics can also lessen the sensitivity of a person to noise, increase sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause sleepiness. People taking them shouldn't drive or operate dangerous equipment until they are sure of the reaction they will experience to the medication.

Exercise and resting enough and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains could all adhd medications help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy, can also 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 information and make an appointment today.