Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, which are central nervous system stimulants. Although Adderall is effective in managing the main symptoms of ADHD, its relationship with anxiety is complicated and can significantly vary from person to person.
How Adderall Works
Adderall increases the levels of particular neurotransmitters in the brain, mainly dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) play vital roles in focus, attention, motivation, and mood regulation.
For people with ADHD, the increase in neurotransmitters can help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Can Adderall Cause Anxiety?
Adderall’s effect on anxiety can be contradictory. Here’s how:
- Adderall has the potential to make anxiety worse
For some people, Adderall can worsen existing anxiety or even prompt new anxiety symptoms. This is because of its stimulant properties, which can cause increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, restlessness, and an increased sense of alertness that can be seen as anxiety. People who are already susceptible to anxiety disorders could be especially susceptible to these effects.
- Adderall has the potential to improve anxiety indirectly
In other cases, Adderall might indirectly improve anxiety, particularly if the anxiety is a resultant symptom of untreated ADHD. Individuals may experience less frustration, improved work or school performance, and better organization. All of these can contribute to a reduction in coincidental anxiety.
Does Adderall Affect Anxiety Attacks?
Adderall can both relieve and worsen anxiety symptoms, especially panic attacks. It helps manage ADHD symptoms, which indirectly reduces anxiety for some people. But it can also trigger or provoke anxiety and panic attacks in others because of its stimulant effects.
We offer anxiety treatment in Houston for those who experience stress and anxiety routinely. The Lovett Center helps learn coping strategies to overcome anxiety.
Can Adderall Be Causing My Anxiety?
If you’re experiencing anxiety and considering Adderall, or you’re taking Adderall and have noticed changes in your anxiety levels, it’s essential to discuss it with your healthcare provider. An experienced professional can help you:
- Determine the root cause of your anxiety, whether it’s a primary condition or a secondary symptom related to ADHD or something else.
- Evaluate whether your medication is appropriate. Determine if Adderall is the correct medication for your needs by considering your existing conditions and medical history.
- Explore alternatives or adjust your dosage. If Adderall is making your anxiety worse, your medical provider may suggest trying a different medication, adjusting the dosage, or investigating non-pharmacological alternatives for anxiety.
- Watch for side effects to help you identify and manage any adverse reactions related to Adderall, including anxiety.
Managing Anxiety Caused by Adderall
Anxiety is a common symptom of ADHD. This makes it difficult to know if your anxiety began before the medication or became aggravated by the medication. In either case, managing anxious feelings is necessary for your overall well-being. Here are several ways to start calming your nervous system, regardless of your ADHD:
Instead of hitting the snooze button, start the day by practicing mindfulness techniques. Spending about an hour at the start of your day can set you up to be calm and organized for the rest of the day.
Meditation helps reduce stress and gain inner peace. You can practice it in the morning, throughout the day, or before going to bed. The physical benefits of meditation have been used for thousands of years and are proven to help people with ADHD and anxiety.
ADHD experts report that having the condition often results in low self-esteem, which contributes to anxiety. Positive affirmations are a powerful method to replace negative thoughts in your mind. Positive “I am” statements will put your mind into a positive mode to reduce negative thoughts, and therefore reduce anxiety.
Writing in a journal before bed or first thing in the morning is another way to relieve anxiety. Writing out your emotional responses is a great way to practice mindfulness. Journaling before bed can help you sleep better.
Certain foods can actually trigger anxiety, whether it’s caused by Adderall or not. Too much caffeine can make you feel shaky or anxious, even without Adderall. Sugary or processed foods can also give you the “crash” and make anxiety worse, too.
Taking time to exercise regularly is an excellent way to maintain your overall health and reduce anxiety. If you’re struggling with ADHD and anxiety, pick an exercise you’ll enjoy and dedicate some time to it. Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone, throughout your body.
What are Some Common Adderall Side Effects?
Many common side effects will subside or improve as your body adjusts to them. They include:
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Stomachache
- Headache
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Loss of sexual interest
Does Adderall Affect Women Differently?
Research indicates that Adderall can affect women and men differently. Here’s how:
Women’s hormone levels, especially estrogen, can affect how women’s bodies process Adderall. Some women report stronger effects and more side effects during the first 14 days of their menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are higher.
Studies show that women may process the amphetamine element of Adderall at a higher rate when the dosage is not adjusted for body mass. But when dosages are adjusted for weight, the difference tends to disappear.
Women may experience more noticeable side effects, such as irritability, increased anxiety, and mood swings. They are also likely to experience a decreased appetite and weight loss. Some studies report that women may experience a decreased libido and changes in sexual function.
Women may have a higher risk of developing a dependency on Adderall. This is especially true if they are misusing it due to the potential differences in metabolism and hormonal influences.
Women who misuse Adderall for prolonged periods may experience more severe long-term effects, including a reduction in brain volume, which affects emotional and decision-making abilities, even after stopping use.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn’t Use Adderall?
Some people should avoid Adderall or similar medications because of potential interactions and health risks. Individuals with these health issues should avoid Adderall:
- Heart problems
- Glaucoma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Seizures
- Mental health issues, including psychosis, schizophrenia, and severe anxiety
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Liver or kidney disease
- Advanced Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Can You Become Addicted to Adderall?
Yes. If you use any addictive substance often enough, your brain becomes used to it. Repeated use of addictive substances can actually change your brain chemistry. In time, a tolerance to the drug can form, and individuals using it for nonmedical purposes need to take larger or more frequent doses to get the desired effects. This is how the cycle of addiction takes hold—and why prescription drug rehab is often necessary to break that cycle and support long-term recovery.
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?
Adderall can stay in your system for varying lengths of time, but it’s usually detectable:
- In urine for 1 to 3 days
- In blood for 1 to 2 days
- In hair for up to 90 days
The half-life of Adderall also varies, but generally, the half-life is cited as being about 9 to 14 hours. This means that half of the drug is eliminated from the body in that timeframe.
Treating Adderall Abuse and Anxiety as Co-Occurring Conditions
The prolonged use of Adderall may lead to addiction and the accompanying risks. Prescription stimulants are usually safe for the person whom they are prescribed, but even then, there is a risk of addiction. The co-occurring conditions must be addressed simultaneously, preferably by the same treatment team.
Depending on the level of care needed, treatment can be in a hospital, a treatment center, or as an outpatient in a clinic. Residential or partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) can provide intensive addiction treatment for individuals who are struggling with addiction and mental health problems. These are the highest levels of care with 24-hour monitoring.
Treating an Adderall addiction is a process of learning how to live and function without it. The first step is managing the withdrawal symptoms when you quit. A qualified, professionally supervised detox program can ensure that withdrawal symptoms are safely managed. After the drug is safely eliminated, ongoing therapy and support is necessary to maintain abstinence.
Contact The Lovett Center for Anxiety Support
If you or a loved one need help, the situation won’t improve by just sitting there. If you have any other questions, contact us today. Let’s work together to get you back on track.
Robert is deeply committed to serving others and is passionate about hope and despair in clinical treatment. With over 20 years in addiction and mental health, he has experience in private practice, clinical supervision, and program management, co-founding The Lovett Center and Ethos. He earned a Master’s degree from the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work, which honored him as a 50 for 50 Alumni in 2019. His education includes fellowships at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies and The Menninger Clinic, where he held leadership roles and received the Menninger Clinic Pillar Award for Integrity. The Houston Business Journal recognized him as a 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 Honoree.
