A Step-By-Step Guide For Choosing Your Best ADHD Medication For Adults With Anxiety And Depression

How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression If a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, treating one condition often improves the other. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants in conjunction with ADHD medication. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed “off-label” for ADHD. These drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. They also improve concentration. 1. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is the most popular medication for adults with ADHD, anxiety, or depression. It is in a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants and is a drug that alters the amount of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as tablets, liquids, chewable tablets or extended-release capsules. It is able to be administered via the skin. It is not unusual for people with ADHD also to suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety or depression. You should tell your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, especially stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases you may require both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant drug. Methylphenidate can have side effects, such as headaches and stomachaches. It can also raise heart rate and blood pressure, so you should make regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria. These people have difficulty processing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. When you are taking methylphenidate, it is recommended that you should not operate a vehicle or operate machinery. It may cause dizziness and blurred vision. Drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules or oral disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to crush or chew on these medications. If you're having trouble eating solid foods, ask your doctor about liquid medications that can be mixed into soft foods or drinks like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding. 2. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is a medication in the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amount of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat ADHD in children and adults six years old and older. It is also sometimes used to treat binge eating disorder in adults. Adults with ADHD are often affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Treatment for these disorders is important to make people feel more relaxed and perform their best at work and home. Certain medication used to treat mental conditions may interfere negatively with ADHD medication. It is important to be open about any other medical concerns. Depression and anxiety can be complicated due to the fact that both can trigger many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and may improve concentration and focus for people suffering from ADHD/ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are not at risk for abuse and misuse. In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and anxiety or depression The medication had promising results. It improved ADHD ratings and executive function and ADHD ratings. It was also safe to use. Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil), phenelzine, selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medications should not be taken within 14 days after lisdexamfetamine. You should also let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication. 3. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also called Strattera, is a nonstimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. The drug boosts levels of this chemical in the brain to increase alertness, reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. This medication should not, however, be used as a sole treatment for anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist. There have been a number of studies conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine in patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine randomized controlled trials as well as two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In the majority of cases, atomoxetine outperformed placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that the sample size of these studies was limited. This medication can also cause some side effects, such as abdominal pain and a fast heart rate. These effects are typically minimal and aren't a problem for everyone who takes this medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine have thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were reported in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children who took the drug. However, suicides did not occur in these trials. Like stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In Iam Psychiatry of an earlier study of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine performed better than a placebo. This is a promising result which suggests that this drug could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when used with other treatments. It will take further studies to determine if atomoxetine can be also effective for other types of comorbid anxiety disorders. 4. Bupropion Bupropion, a drug that is not stimulant boosts the chemical noradrenaline within the brain. The chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells and increasing it can aid concentration and control of impulses. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and taken every day, either once or twice by your doctor. There are some serious side effects like suicidal thoughts or liver damage. Anxiety is a disorder that causes constant, intense anxiety and a sense of restlessness. It can trigger symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shortness of breath, as well as anxiety or fear. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders struggle to control their symptoms despite trying to reduce the severity of their symptoms. Certain people with ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can cause emotional and relationship problems and low self-esteem. Symptoms of untreated ADHD — such as inattention deficit, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also result in feelings of frustration or failure. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help to ease anxiety symptoms. High blood pressure medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications are different from stimulants. Antidepressants may be prescribed by your doctor to treat ADHD. They are prescribed either on their own or in conjunction with stimulants. However, they are not usually prescribed to teenagers and children. Psychotherapy is a second option for treatment. It involves speaking with a mental health professional and is sometimes effective for treating anxiety and ADHD together. Lifestyle and routine changes can be beneficial in managing these conditions. For instance, you could try meditating or practicing yoga, managing your sleep and stress levels and including exercises into your daily routine. 5. Tricyclic antidepressants A mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment. They aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD but they may sometimes help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety when taken in conjunction with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels and norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa), and escitalopram(Lexapro) boost the levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin within your brain to improve your mood and decrease 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, so named after the three rings of their chemical structure, were first designed as antipsychotics, and later discovered to have potent antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine and nortriptyline. Tricyclics can also reduce a person's sensitivity to noise, enhance sleep quality and lower blood pressure. They can cause drowsiness, therefore, 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. A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables. Mindfulness practices and other forms of therapy like cognitive behavior therapy can also reduce stress and boost happiness. Klarity can help you find licensed professionals who provide convenient online mental health care that is cost-free and convenient. Learn more about our services and make an appointment today.