Is Adderall Causing My Anxiety?
Is Adderall Causing My Anxiety?
Table of Contents
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant comprised of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These two stimulants work on the nervous system by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine . 1
Adderall and Anxiety are related because of Adderall is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. Prescription stimulants often cause a feeling of rush or euphoria and increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Adderall is a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Other drugs included in Schedule II are Dilaudid, Oxycontin, Percocet, and narcotics like morphine and opium .2
What Does Adderall Do?
Adderall is often prescribed to treat symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall can help improve focus and concentration. While the drug can improve focus, it’s important to know the Adderall side effects. Adderall’s side effects include nervousness, restlessness, headaches, problems getting to sleep or staying asleep, dizziness, dry mouth, and slowed speech. More severe Adderall side effects can include uncontrollable shaking or seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, and worsening mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
More About Other Drugs
Does Adderall Cause Anxiety?
While Adderall continues to be a frequently prescribed drug, it makes sense that people might be tempted to attempt to use Adderall’s focus-improving effects to treat anxiety symptoms. Adderall is an uncommon treatment for anxiety and can actually make anxiety symptoms worse.
Does Adderall Help with Anxiety?
Adderall use can lead to panic attacks if used for a long time. Adderall is a stimulant, and long-term use can alter brain chemistry. When the use of Adderall stops, a sudden change can cause panic or other negative feelings.
What About Anxiety Attacks and Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant and can make anxiety symptoms worse. Anxiety attacks can occur when a person is worried or fearing that something terrible is going to happen. It’s important to have an appropriate care plan for both symptoms of ADHD and anxiety.
Managing Anxiety Caused by Adderall
Anxiety medication is available and used as a treatment. Common medications used to treat anxiety are anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. While anxiety medications cannot cure anxiety, they can help control some of the psychological symptoms of anxiety . 3
Does Adderall Affect Women Differently?
Women’s brains may have a different effect when using amphetamines like Adderall. Studies show Adderall has a more profound impact on men’s brains than women’s. Men may be more prone to Adderall addiction and abuse. But you don’t have to live with Adderall addiction; help is available. Detox is recommended at a rehabilitation center or through a medication-assisted treatment program, although these programs mainly treat opioid addiction. There are also inpatient centers, self-help, and 12-step fellowships to treat Adderall addiction as well.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn't Use Adderall?
People with certain health conditions should avoid Adderall. It’s essential to communicate health details with your primary care provider or behavioral health provider. Don’t take Adderall if you are agitated or overly anxious, are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAIO. Don’t take Adderall if you have abused prescription drugs, street drugs, or alcohol, have allergies to Adderall, hyperthyroidism, or problems with high blood pressure.
Treating Adderall Abuse and Anxiety as Co-Occurring Conditions
Many people living with ADHD also have a diagnosis of another disorder 60-80 percent of the time. Many times the co-occurring condition is anxiety. Having this co-occurring condition makes treatment more difficult. Often, the health providers will find areas of impairment, such as where problems are happening in school, work, or family life. From this discussion, they will look for the most favorable treatment option. A provider may recommend cognitive behavior therapy for comorbid anxiety and Adderall to treat ADHD. However, it’s vital to be careful due to Adderall’s possibility of worsening the anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help calm anxiety. This therapy focuses on identifying and understanding individual patterns of thinking. Benefits are commonly found around 12 -16 weeks depending on the individual. CBT is collaborative and short-term goal-oriented care. CBT gets you actively involved in recovery and provides hands-on approaches to treatment.
