Does Adderall Help With Anxiety? Risk And Alternatives

Today, a lot of people suffer from a disorder called Anxiety which has adverse effects on our mental health. It is also a symptom of problems like ADHD. To treat it, doctors have always prescribed Adderall to their patients. Adderall is preferred by professionals for reducing hyperactivity in the brain, and because of that, people have actively wondered: Does Adderall help with anxiety? This article will try to explain why people think Adderall can help with anxiety, the relationship between the stimulant drug and the psychological issue, and why using Adderall for anxiety may not be safe. 

Adderall and Anxiety – How Are They Related?

There are a lot of reasons why we have Adderall and anxiety in the same conversation. Many effects of Adderall match the symptoms one might face when they have anxiety. The stimulant properties of Adderall can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which are the major symptoms of anxiety. As a stimulant, Adderall can also cause restlessness and nervousness, which is also found in people having anxiety. One can also feel their mood changing rapidly as they take the drug. Adderall use leads to symptoms of anxiety, and if it is used for the mental disorder itself, it can amplify the effects. 

How Does Adderall Work?

Adderall has two salts present in it, that work very effectively. Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine play a major role in stimulating dopamine and norepinephrine. in the nervous system. This happens when Adderall enters the system and binds with receptors of both chemicals. This leads to an interaction between the receptors and the two salts, which propel the release of neurotransmitters of norepinephrine and dopamine. They enter the brain, activate its frontal lobe responsible for attention and decision-making, and suddenly make one feel focused and attentive. For ADHD patients this is a relaxing sensation as their hyperactivity is finally controlled.

Does Adderall Treat Anxiety?

Many people believe that Adderall can deal with anxiety. ADHD patients deal with many symptoms like anxiety. The reason people believe that Adderall helps with anxiety is that Adderall stimulates dopamine which increases attentiveness. People with anxiety have a hard time trying to focus on something as their minds are consumed by stressful thoughts. This is when patients with anxiety issues think that Adderall is going to help them. But the reality is Adderall is not meant to treat anxiety as it was created only for ADHD. So it is not safe for people to use the stimulant for anxiety.

Why Can’t Adderall Help Anxiety?

Not only can Adderall not help patients deal with anxiety, but it can also turn dangerous if it is used for the mental health disorder. This is because Adderall is a CNS stimulant, and that alone should be the reason for using it for anxiety. That is because anxiety already has effects that are similar to the effects one can have after taking Adderall. It starts mimicking the effects of anxiety in our system when the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are released. Feeling restless, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and nervousness are some of the effects. Adderall can amplify these effects and worsen the anxiety of the patient.

Risks Of Taking Adderall for Anxiety

Adderall has a lot more risks if used for anxiety. These side effects can not only worsen the mental health of the patient, but also the overall well-being. Anxiety is itself a side effect of an Adderall overdose, so taking it for anxiety will worsen the issue.

• Racing thoughts
• Sleeping issues
• Insomnia
• Irritation
• Panic attacks
• Opioid Addiction

Even when Adderall wears off, there’s a phenomenon called “crash”, where the anxiety rebounds, and it leaves the patient with irritation or fatigue. It is better to talk to doctors in this situation about continuing with the dose of Adderall.

Alternatives for Anxiety Treatment

Better get an appointment with your doctor, and they will give you the right medication for your anxiety. These should be either anxiety-specific medications or alternatives to Adderall if you have ADHD that has led to anxiety. We will divide these alternatives into three parts.

Prescription Alternatives

• Strattera
• Ritalin
• Tenex
• Intuniv
• Qelbree
• Kapvay
• Catapres

Over-the-counter Alternatives

• L-theanine and L-tyrosine amino acids
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• B-vitamins

Natural Alternatives

• Valerian roots
• Chamomile
• Ginkgo Biloba
• Rhodiola Rosea
• Passionflower
• Ashwagandha

How To Stop Using Adderall If Anxiety Persists?

It is not safe to change or stop the medication abruptly on your own as Adderall has some of the worst withdrawal symptoms. It is better to consult healthcare professionals and follow the instructions given by them. Doctors can start by lowering the dosage. But in many cases, if someone is taking the immediate-release form of Adderall and is experiencing the “crash”, then doctors will change their dosage to extended-release tablets, which will provide a long-lasting recovery. If anxiety persists, doctors will change the medication and switch it to non-stimulant alternatives like Strattera. We must be very careful with potent drugs like Adderall, and stopping them abruptly is not an option.

Conclusion

Anxiety cannot be treated with Aderall because it is a side effect of both ADHD and the medication. Adderall might help people dealing with anxiety because of ADHD; otherwise, it will worsen their already existing anxiety. And one should not stop taking Adderall if they are taking it for anxiety. It is wise to take the right medications for anxiety, consulting the doctor every time about it, and avoid all the amplified risks of the disorder.