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 two of the most popular antidepressants prescribed to treat ADHD "off-label". These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. They also improve concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression or anxiety. It's a part of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances in your brain. It is available in the form of tablets that can be chewed, liquid, or extended-release capsule. It is able to be administered via the skin.

It is not uncommon for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. You should tell your doctor about any anxiety or depression you may be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants, can make these conditions worse. In certain situations you may have to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication.

Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It may also raise your heart rate and blood pressure and you should make regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It can also trigger facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). People with phenylketonuria (a genetic disorder) who have trouble metabolizing phenylalanine should not take it. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should tell your doctor that you intend to become pregnant.

You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause blurred vision, dizziness and somnolence. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. Ask your doctor if you are having difficulty swallowing tablets. You should not crush or chew these medicines. If you are having difficulty eating solid foods, consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks such as applesauce, yogurt, or pudding.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine that belongs to the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children aged 6 years and up. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults.

Adults with ADHD are frequently afflicted with anxiety and depression disorders. It is crucial to treat these conditions in order to feel better and perform at their best, both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health conditions can interact with ADHD medication, so it is essential to disclose any other medical issues that you may have.

Depression and anxiety can be complex because they both have various symptoms. Certain athe overall number of participants in these studies was small.

Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are usually minimal and are not observed for everyone who takes the medication. Some people who take Atomoxetine have had thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials of children and adolescents taking the medication. These trials did not lead to suicides.

As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In a recent research study, the atomoxetine medication was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is an encouraging result that suggests this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. It will require more study to determine if atomoxetine may be effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. Its increase can assist in focusing and controlling impulses. This drug is usually prescribed in capsule form and is taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. It's also associated with more serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes intense, persistent anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness in breath, and feelings like fear or dread. Many people with anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen their symptoms.

Some people suffering from ADHD may also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions, and also a loss of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD like inattention deficit, forgetfulness, and impulsive behavior -can also result in feelings of disappointment or failure.

Stimulants such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can help ease anxiety symptoms, and so can non amphetamine adhd medication (akvalife.by)-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 function differently than stimulants.

While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them as a single drug or together with a stimulant, but they typically aren't used in children and teens. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. It involves speaking with an expert in mental health, and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also be helpful for managing these disorders. For instance, you can consider practicing yoga or meditation or managing stress and sleep habits, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional might suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They're not approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can occasionally improve symptoms of anxiety and depression when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, and therefore can improve symptoms of depression as well as anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -like fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to improve 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 first came into use to treat schizophrenia, but they were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.

Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness so those taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they are aware of how they will react to the medication.

Exercise, getting enough rest and eating a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all help improve ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help reduce stress. Klarity can help you find certified providers who can provide online mental health services that is cost-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.