Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant often prescribed to help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using a stimulant may seem counterintuitive for treating hyperactivity, but Adderall’s mechanism of action has been shown to positively impact many types of executive dysfunction. Because anxiety often accompanies ADHD, it’s no surprise that many people wonder if Adderall helps with anxiety.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Adderall works, whether it helps with anxiety, the possible risks of its use and alternative treatments for anxiety.
Understanding Adderall
Adderall is made by combining four amphetamine salts, creating a stimulant that increases the levels of two neurotransmitters in the brain — dopamine and norepinephrine. Low levels of these chemical messengers may result in trouble focusing, a limited attention span and difficulty with impulse control — all common issues facing those with ADHD. Adderall boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels to help combat these symptoms.
- Does Adderall Help With Anxiety?
Adderall and anxiety are often both found on some patients’ charts. Why? ADHD, the most common reason Adderall is prescribed, can also cause anxiety. In fact, about 50% of people with ADHD experience anxiety at some point, according to studies on mental health comorbidities. Treating other ADHD symptoms may relieve the anxiety caused by missing deadlines, difficulty focusing and other performance worries. But because Adderall is a stimulant, taking it can increase a person’s anxiety symptoms, raising their heart rate and blood pressure. - The Role of Dopamine
The rush of joy when winning a game or getting an A at the end of the semester are examples of what dopamine can do. This neurotransmitter, which is enhanced by Adderall, plays a key role in the brain’s reward system. Higher dopamine levels improve a person’s mood and sense of well-being, but they don’t typically alleviate anxiety, so it isn’t effective to take Adderall for anxiety. - The Role of Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine, a second neurotransmitter improved by Adderall, can enhance focus and attention for those with ADHD. However, at high levels it can induce stress and panic. Norepinephrine is also linked to the central nervous system’s fight-or-flight response. When triggered, this response can worsen anxiety, which isn’t ideal for individuals with an anxiety disorder.
How Adderall Works in the Brain
Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD treatment because it increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Lower levels of these chemicals in key areas such as the prefrontal cortex make it harder for those with ADHD to regulate attention, resist distractions or follow through with tasks.
Adderall promotes the release of the neurotransmitters from nerve endings and simultaneously slows their reuptake so they stay effective longer. When it’s taken as prescribed, the drug enhances communication between neurons that prime the body to stay attentive, alert, focused and motivated. For people with ADHD, this is critical for alleviating some of the most anxiety-inducing symptoms of the neurodevelopmental disorder.
Potential Risks of Using Adderall for Anxiety
While generally regarded as safe to use as directed when treating ADHD, taking Adderall for anxiety is a much riskier prospect. Some of the potential risks include:
- Adverse Reactions
Side effects such as insomnia, restlessness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and even panic attacks are possible when taking this medication. All these reactions can make anxiety worse, not better. - Dependency and Addiction
Although Adderall prescription dosages are carefully calibrated, the drug’s stimulating effects carry a significant risk of dependency and addiction. The medication is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA. Prolonged use can result in tolerance, where increasingly higher doses are required to achieve the same effect, leading to addiction. - Withdrawal Symptoms
Quitting Adderall cold turkey can result in withdrawal symptoms, including increased anxiety, fatigue, depression and sleep disturbances. This makes it important to talk with a doctor before stopping Adderall use.
Why Adderall Could Worsen Anxiety
What helps with ADHD-related anxiety can be harmful for those with an anxiety disorder. Since Adderall can trigger the fight-or-flight response, it can leave some individuals amped up and on edge. Adderall is also more likely to trigger the physical symptoms of anxiety, and they’re often the most dangerous. Examples include a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, tense muscles, incontinence and sweating. When these symptoms occur all at one time, it can feel like a panic attack.
Norepinephrine, in particular, is associated with heightened alertness and vigilance. Excess levels of this chemical can make a person feel overstimulated and restless. In cases where anxiety is already a problem, Adderall is likely to exaggerate symptoms, making the condition worse. The stimulant effects of the drug can also disrupt sleep. A good night’s sleep is one of the better ways to combat anxiety, while poor sleep often increases the frequency and severity of symptoms.
It’s not uncommon for a person to feel jittery or nervous shortly after taking their dose of Adderall and then experience a crash as it wears off. The irritability, fatigue and mood swings that come with the crash can spike anxiety levels, which makes careful dose management key to successful ADHD treatment with this drug. Since Adderall is more likely to worsen anxiety when taken at higher doses, people with both ADHD and an anxiety disorder may respond better to a non-stimulant medication.
Alternative Treatments for Anxiety
While taking Adderall for anxiety isn’t ideal, effective treatments are available to help alleviate the disorder.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective and has no side effects. This psychotherapy approach helps individuals identify and challenge irrational fears and develop coping mechanisms.
- Lifestyle changes can also play a key role in managing anxiety. Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting ample sleep and practicing mindfulness techniques can all help reduce the symptoms of anxiety on a day-to-day basis.
- Medications often offer the most effective way to get initial relief from anxiety symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. For short-term control over acute anxiety symptoms, doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines.
Don’t Depend on Adderall for Anxiety — Get the Help You Need
While taking Adderall might make you feel better in the short term, it’s not an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it’s important to get professional help. Visit the National Rehab Hotline to access resources, support and a network of professionals who are ready to guide you on the path to recovery.