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 professionals often prescribe antidepressants or a stimulant for depression, along with an ADHD medication. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most commonly used antidepressants prescribed off-label for ADHD. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help 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. adult add medications of a class of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. It is used to alter the levels of certain natural substances within your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or an extended-release capsule. It can also be given through the skin. It is not unusual for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring 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 to get worse. In certain instances you may have to take both an anti-anxiety medication and a stimulant medication. Methylphenidate can cause headaches as well as stomachaches. It can also increase your blood pressure and heart rate, so you should keep regular appointments with your physician to monitor these. It can also cause facial tics (quick uncontrollable movements of your face). It is not recommended by those with an inherited condition known as phenylketonuria, which causes difficulty in metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It can be dangerous to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Get the facts should tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant. You must not operate or drive machinery while taking methylphenidate. It may cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. If you are having difficulty swallowing tablets, consult your doctor about extended-release capsules or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications therefore, if you experience trouble eating solid food consult your physician about liquid medicines that can be mixed with soft food or drinks such as 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 levels of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults as well as children aged 6 years or older. It is also used to treat binge eating disorder in adults. Adults suffering from ADHD are often affected by depression and anxiety disorders. Treatment of these conditions is crucial to aid people in feeling better and do their best at work and home. Certain medications commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medications, so it is important to be open about any other medical issues you might have. Depression and anxiety can be a tangled mess, as they both involve many symptoms. Certain antidepressants, including Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Effexor (venlafaxine) are often prescribed to treat these ailments and can help improve concentration and focus in those suffering from ADHD or ADHD. They typically improve the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain, and they have a low risk of misuse and abuse. In studies of LDX in adults with ADHD and depression or anxiety The medication had promising results. It helped reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety and improved ADHD ratings and executive function measurements. It was also safe to use. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you're taking any other medications that include MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) as well as the methylene blue, Phenelzine (Nardil) selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). These medications should not be consumed for 14 days following the use of the administration of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are allergic to lisdexamfetamine, or any other ingredients in the medication. 3. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication used to treat depression. It is believed to work by preventing the reuptake process of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug increases alertness and reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. It is important to keep in mind, however, that this medication is not recommended as a treatment on its own for anxiety disorders. Instead it is recommended that patients receives treatment from a certified psychotherapist or psychiatrist. A number of studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of atomoxetine patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety disorders. These studies comprise nine randomized controlled trials and two post-hoc analyses of subgroups. In the majority of cases, both symptom improvement and cognition function were more accurately measured using atomoxetine compared to placebo. It is important to remember that the sample size of these studies was small. Some of the side effects associated with this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These effects are typically minor and are not seen in all people who take the medication. Certain people who take Atomoxetine have expressed thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed during short-term clinical studies with adolescents and children who were taking the drug. These trials did not lead to suicides. As with stimulants, atomoxetine can also be effective in treating comorbid ADHD/anxiety. In fact in an investigation of adults with ADHD and social anxiety disorder, atomoxetine outperformed the placebo. This is an encouraging result that suggests that this medication may be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when paired with other treatments. It will take further study to determine if atomoxetine can be effective in other forms of anxiety disorders that have a comorbidity. 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 boosting it can help concentration and control of impulses. Your doctor might recommend the drug in capsules which is usually taken one or twice daily. There are also some serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage. Anxiety is a disorder that causes persistent, intense fear and anxiety. It can cause symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, breathlessness, and feelings of anxiety or dread. People with anxiety disorders often struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to lessen them. People with ADHD may suffer from anxiety, too. The condition can cause problems with relationships and emotions, as well as a lack of self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include the inability to pay attention, forgetfulness and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure. Stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate can ease anxiety symptoms, and so can nonstimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree). High blood pressure medication like clonidine, (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv or Tenex) can also be used to treat ADHD in adults. However, these medications differ from stimulants. Although antidepressants haven't been approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or with a stimulant, though they're not typically prescribed for adolescents or children. Psychotherapy is a third treatment option. Consulting with a mental-health professional can be effective in treating anxiety as well as ADHD. Changing your routine and lifestyle can help you manage these issues. For instance, you can try practicing meditation or yoga or managing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine. 5. Tricyclic antidepressants In some instances an expert in mental health might recommend antidepressants as a part of your treatment plan. These drugs are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when used in conjunction along with stimulants. Antidepressants increase serotonin levels as well as norepinephrine production in the brain. They are therefore able to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- such as fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) -boost the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin 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, named for the three rings that make up their chemical structure, were originally created as antipsychotics but were later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These include amitriptyline imipramine, and nortriptyline. Tricyclics can also reduce the sensitivity of a person to noise, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. Tricyclics can cause drowsiness. People taking them shouldn't operate machinery or drive until they are sure of what reaction they'll have to the medication. A variety of lifestyle changes can improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, including taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness-based practices and other types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce stress and increase happiness. If you're struggling to manage your anxiety and ADHD, Klarity can connect you with licensed providers for easy, cost-free online mental health services. Learn more about our services, and then make an appointment today.
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