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

If someone suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first disorder can help the second. Mental health professionals often prescribe antidepressants or stimulants for depression, along with an ADHD medication.

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

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety. It belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It is a medication that alters the amount of certain natural substances in your brain. It can be taken as tablets, liquids chewable tablets, or extended-release capsules. It is also available through the skin.

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

Methylphenidate can cause headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). People with phenylketonuria (a Genetic testing for adhd medications disorder) who have difficulty metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine shouldn't take it. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is important to inform your doctor that you intend to get pregnant.

While taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness as well as blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you have problems taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. Do not crush or chew these medications. If you have difficulty eating solid foods, consult your doctor about liquid medicines that can be added to soft food or drinks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.

2. Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine is a medicine within the central nervous system stimulant family. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children 6 years of age and up. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults suffering from adhd over the counter medication uktion should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that a person seek treatment from a licensed psychiatrist or therapist.

A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients suffering from ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled trials that were randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most instances, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of improvement in symptoms and cognitive function. It is important to note that the sample size of these studies was very small.

Some of the side effects of this medication include abdominal pain as well as rapid heart rate. These effects are usually mild and do not occur in 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 of adolescents and children who were taking the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can be effective in treating the comorbidity of ADHD and anxiety. In fact, in an earlier study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed the placebo. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating adhd depression medication and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively to treat other forms of anxiety disorders comorbid with each other.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug, increases the amount of noradrenaline that is found in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can aid concentration and control impulses. The drug is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are also some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and restlessness. It can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as anxiety or dread. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to control their symptoms, despite efforts to manage their symptoms.

People suffering from ADHD can develop anxiety, as well. The condition can lead to problems with relationships and emotional issues and low self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD like the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behavior- can also lead to feelings of anger or disappointment.

Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) may also be used to treat ADHD in adults, although these drugs function differently than stimulants.

While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them on their own or in conjunction along with a stimulant. However, they're not typically prescribed for adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these conditions. You could, for instance try meditation or yoga, regulating your stress and sleep patterns and incorporating fitness into your routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

In certain situations an expert in mental health may recommend antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within 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 your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, [Redirect-301] which can 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 originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to have potent antidepressant effects. These drugs include amitriptyline nortriptyline and imipramine.

Tricyclics can also lessen a person's sensitivity to noise, increase sleep quality and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause an increase in drowsiness. People taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication.

Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. And, if you're struggling with managing your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for convenient, insurance-free online mental health care. Learn more about our services and book an appointment now.