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

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

Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants that are prescribed "off-label" for ADHD. These medications increase levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. They also aid in improving concentration.

1. Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate, also known by the brand name Ritalin is the most popular treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets, liquids, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It can be administered through the skin.

It is not uncommon for people who suffer from ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. It is crucial to inform your doctor if suffer from depression or anxiety because certain medications, particularly stimulants can cause them worsen. In some instances, you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication.

Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, including headaches and stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and [Redirect Only] heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your doctor to examine these. It can also cause facial tics (quick, uncontrollable movements in your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or nursing. You should inform your doctor if you are planning to get pregnant.

You should not drive or operate machinery while taking methylphenidate. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and sleepiness. It is essential to drink enough fluids while you take it. If you experience difficulty taking tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew these medicines If you are having difficulties eating solid food, talk to your doctor 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 class of central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat the condition of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults aged 6 years and over. It is also used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults.

Adults with adhd medication online are frequently ainephrine, a neurotransmitter. The drug raises levels of this chemical within the brain, which can increase alertness, decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used on its own to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the person seeks help from a qualified psychiatrist or therapist.

There have been a variety of studies conducted to assess the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the overall size of the study was limited.

The medication can also cause some adverse effects, including abdominal pain as well as a high heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and do not affect anyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine report thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical studies with children and adolescents who took the medication. These trials did not result in suicides.

Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating anxiety and ADHD that are comorbid. In fact in a recent study of adults with adhd stimulant medication and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed a placebo. 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. More research is required to determine if Atomoxetine is also a treatment effectively for other forms of comorbid anxiety disorders.

4. Bupropion

Bupropion, a non-stimulant drug increases the chemical noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical passes messages between brain cells and by increasing it, it helps concentration and control impulses. Your doctor may recommend this medication in capsule form typically taken once or twice daily. There are some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage.

Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense fear and restlessness. It can trigger symptoms like stomachaches, headaches breathlessness, and feelings of anxiety or dread. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle with controlling their symptoms, despite trying to lessen the severity of their symptoms.

Some people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause issues with relationships and emotions and a loss of self-esteem. Untreated ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness and impulsiveness, can lead to feelings of frustration and failure.

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

While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD however, your doctor can prescribe them alone or together with a stimulant, but they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is another treatment option. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and it's sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can also help in managing these conditions. For instance, you could, try meditating or doing yoga, regulating insomnia and stress levels, and including fitness into your routine.

5. Tricyclic antidepressants

A mental health professional could suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. These drugs aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD, but they can sometimes improve symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants boost serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They therefore can help to alleviate anxiety as well as depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibiters, like fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of neurotransmitter Serotonin in your brain to improve 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 later discovered to have powerful antidepressant effects. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline.

Tricyclics also improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and decrease a person’s sensitivity to sound. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. The people who are taking them should not operate machinery or drive until they are certain of the reaction they will experience to the medication.

Exercise taking enough rest, and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can all aid in reducing ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral 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 professionals for affordable, insurance-free online mental health services. Find out more about it and schedule an appointment today.