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How to Choose the Best ADHD Medication for Adults With Anxiety and Depression When a person suffers from both ADHD and anxiety or depression, addressing the first condition can often improve the second. Mental health professionals prescribe antidepressants, stimulants for depression or antidepressants, along with ADHD medication. Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are the most frequently used antidepressants prescribed “off-label” for ADHD. These medications increase levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine and help improve concentration. 1. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is also known under the brand name Ritalin is the first-choice medication to treat adults with ADHD and depression as well as anxiety. adhd adults medication belongs to a class known as central nervous stimulants. It works by altering the amount of certain natural substances inside your brain. It is available as a liquid, chewable tablet or extended-release capsule. It can also be administered through the skin. It is not unusual for people with ADHD to have co-occurring mood disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is important to inform your doctor about any depression or anxiety you may be suffering from. Certain medications, specifically stimulants can make these disorders worse. In some cases, you may need to take a stimulant and an anti-anxiety medication. Methylphenidate may cause adverse effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. It can also increase your heart rate and blood pressure which is why you should maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check these. It may also trigger facial ticks (uncontrollable rapid movements of the face). It should not be taken by those suffering from a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria, who have trouble metabolizing the chemical phenylalanine. It is also unsafe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so you should inform your doctor whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. When taking methylphenidate, you should not drive a vehicle or operate machinery. It can cause dizziness, blurred vision and somnolence. You should drink plenty of fluids when taking this medication. If you experience difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about extended-release capsules, or orally disintegrating tablets. It is not recommended to chew or crush these medications therefore, if you experience difficulty eating solid foods consult your physician about liquid medications that can be mixed with soft food or drinks, such as yogurt, applesauce or pudding. 2. Lisdexamfetamine Lisdexamfetamine is a drug within the central nervous system stimulant family. It affects the amounts of certain natural substances within the brain. It is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children of 6 years and older. It is sometimes used to treat binge-eating disorders in adults. Adults suffering from ADHD are frequently afflicted with depression and anxiety disorders. It is important to treat these disorders so that they can feel better and perform their best both at work and at home. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat mental health problems may interact with ADHD medication, which is why it is crucial to be honest about any other medical issues that you may have. Depression and anxiety can be complex, as they both involve many symptoms. Antidepressants like Wellbutrin, Effexor, or Venlafaxine are often prescribed to treat these ailments. They also can improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD or ADHD. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. They are low-risk for 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. Tell your doctor if any other medications are being taken for example, MAO inhibitors, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene blue (Nardil) and phenelzine. selegiline, Emsam (Zelapar), or tranylcypromine. These medicines should not be used for 14 days following the use of lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to let your doctor know if are allergic to lisdexamfetamine or any other ingredients in the medication. 3. Atomoxetine Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD medication that is used to treat depression. It is believed to work by blocking neurotransmitter reuptake. By boosting levels of this chemical in the brain, the drug improves alertness and reduces anxiety and depression symptoms. This medication is not to be used alone to treat anxiety disorders. It is recommended that the patient seeks help from a qualified therapist or psychiatrist. There have been a myriad of studies that have been conducted to examine the effects of atomoxetine on patients with ADHD and anxiety disorders. These studies include nine controlled studies that are randomized and two post-hoc subgroup analyses. In most cases the results showed that atomoxetine was superior to placebo on both measures of symptom improvement and cognitive function. It is important to keep in mind that the sample size in these studies was very small. Some side effects of this medication include abdominal pain and rapid heart rate. These side effects are usually minor and are not seen in everyone who takes the medication. In some instances, people who take atomoxetine experience thoughts of suicide. These thoughts were observed in short-term clinical trials with adolescents and children taking the medication. However, suicides did not occur in these trials. As with stimulants, atomoxetine is also effective in treating comorbid anxiety/ADHD. In a recent research study, atomoxetine was more effective than placebo for adults suffering from social anxiety disorder and ADHD. This is a promising outcome that suggests that this medication could be effective in treating ADHD and anxiety when combined with other treatments for both disorders. More research will be needed to determine if atomoxetine can also be used effectively for other forms of anxiety disorders that are comorbid. 4. Bupropion Bupropion is a non-stimulant drug that boosts the amount of a chemical found in the brain known as noradrenaline. This chemical is responsible for sending messages between brain cells. The increase in it can aid with concentration and impulse control. This medication is typically prescribed in capsule form and is taken at least twice a day by your physician. There are also serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts or liver damage. Anxiety is a condition that can cause intense fear and nervousness. It can trigger symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches and breath shortness, and feelings such as dread or fear. People suffering from anxiety disorders frequently struggle to manage their symptoms, despite efforts to reduce them. Certain people suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety. The condition can lead to issues with relationships and emotions, as well as low self-esteem. Signs of untreated ADHD include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention and impulsive behaviorcan also cause feelings of frustration or failure. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine, Qelbree and Lisdexamfetamine (methylphenidate) can also help in easing 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. While antidepressants aren't approved by the FDA to treat ADHD Your doctor could prescribe them as a single drug or along with a stimulant. However, they are typically not prescribed to children and teens. Psychotherapy is a second treatment option. Talking to a mental health professional can be effective in treating both anxiety and ADHD. Changes in your lifestyle and routine can help manage these disorders. For instance, you could consider practicing yoga or meditation, managing sleep and stress, and incorporating physical activity in your daily routine. 5. Tricyclic antidepressants In some instances the mental health professional may suggest antidepressants as part of your treatment plan. They are not FDA approved to treat ADHD but can improve depression and anxiety symptoms when taken together with stimulants. Antidepressants increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain, so they can aid in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine(Prozac), citalopram(Celexa) and escitalopram(Lexapro) can increase the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in 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 were originally developed as antipsychotics, but later discovered to possess powerful antidepressant properties. These drugs include imipramine (Tofranil) as well as amitriptyline (Elavil) and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Tricyclics can also improve sleep, reduce blood pressure and reduce the sensitivity of a person to sound. They can cause drowsiness so people taking them should avoid driving or operating machinery that could be dangerous until they know how they'll react to the medication. Many lifestyle changes can help improve your ADHD and anxiety symptoms, such as taking exercise, sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Mindfulness and other forms therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can also reduce stress. Klarity can assist you in finding certified providers who can provide online mental health care that is affordable and easy to access. Learn more about our services and book an appointment today.