Many people have questions about Adderall and anxiety, especially if they experience both ADHD and anxiety symptoms. Some are curious if Adderall can help with anxiety or if it is safe to take it for this purpose. At Arkview Behavioral Health, we provide mental health and addiction treatment based on current research and clinical guidelines, supporting individuals and families with accurate information and comprehensive care.
Does Adderall Help with General Anxiety or Anxiety Disorders?
Adderall is not approved by the FDA for anxiety treatment. It is only approved for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy.
Clinical research does not show that Adderall treats anxiety disorders. Most studies focus on its use for ADHD, and there is no strong evidence that it helps with anxiety as a main problem.
Some people may notice a temporary calming effect from Adderall. This often happens because their ADHD symptoms are managed, not because the medication is treating anxiety directly.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million adults each year in the United States. For those with both ADHD and anxiety, it is important to know that Adderall does not target anxiety symptoms and may even make them worse for some people. Individuals struggling with persistent worry may benefit from a specialized anxiety treatment center.
At Arkview, we emphasize safe, evidence-based care and help individuals find the most appropriate treatments for their unique needs. For anxiety, other approaches are recommended rather than Adderall.
How Adderall Works in the Brain
Adderall is a medication that contains a mixture of amphetamine salts, which are classified as stimulants. These stimulants increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain.
The main neurotransmitters affected by Adderall are dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine plays a role in controlling reward and motivation, while norepinephrine affects attention and alertness. By raising the levels of these neurotransmitters, Adderall can help improve focus, attention, and impulse control in people with ADHD.
This mechanism does not directly address anxiety. Anxiety disorders involve different brain pathways and chemical imbalances than ADHD. Stimulants and anxiety disorder are often discussed together because stimulants can sometimes make anxiety symptoms more noticeable, rather than reducing them.
Adderall is not designed to treat anxiety, and its effect on neurotransmitters is specific to the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Its impact on anxiety symptoms varies and is not the intended purpose of the medication. For those seeking other ways to reduce anxiety, cognitive-behavioral therapy can offer effective support.
Can Adderall Cause Anxiety or Make it Worse?
Adderall and other stimulant medications can cause anxiety as a side effect. Research shows that about 30% of people who take stimulants report more anxiety symptoms during treatment.
1. Physical Side Effects That Increase Anxiety
Increased heart rate is a common effect of Adderall. This can feel similar to the physical symptoms of a panic attack.
Jitteriness, or a feeling of restlessness in the body, can mimic anxiety or make existing anxiety feel more intense.
Sleep disruption is another possible side effect. Lack of sleep often makes anxiety symptoms worse or more difficult to manage.
2. Who is most at Risk for Adderall-induced anxiety
People who already have anxiety disorders may be more sensitive to the stimulating effects of Adderall and are more likely to experience anxiety as a side effect.
Taking high doses of Adderall increases the likelihood and intensity of side effects, including anxiety.
Using caffeine at the same time as Adderall can increase the risk of anxiety. Both substances are stimulants, and their effects can add up to make someone feel more anxious.
Some people search terms like “can adderall cause anxiety,” “does adderall make anxiety worse,” “adderall giving me anxiety,” and “can adderall make you anxious” to learn more about these effects.
Does Adderall Help with Anxiety if You Have ADHD
Anxiety can appear in different ways for people with ADHD. Sometimes, anxiety is a direct result of ADHD symptoms, such as trouble focusing, losing things, or missing deadlines. This is called secondary anxiety. Other times, anxiety exists on its own, separate from ADHD. This is called primary anxiety disorder.
Research shows that when ADHD is treated, symptoms like restlessness and disorganization may improve. As a result, the stress and anxiety caused by these symptoms can also decrease. In these cases, treating ADHD with medication like Adderall may help reduce secondary anxiety.
However, Adderall for ADHD and anxiety does not treat primary anxiety disorders. If a person has both ADHD and a separate anxiety disorder, each condition usually requires its own treatment plan. For example, therapy or specific anxiety medication may be used alongside ADHD medications. In some cases, patients discuss the safest benzo for anxiety with their doctor for short-term relief.
The following table shows the difference between anxiety related to ADHD and primary anxiety disorders:
| ADHD-Related Anxiety | Primary Anxiety Disorder |
| Caused by ADHD symptoms | Independent condition |
| May improve with ADHD treatment | Requires specific anxiety treatment |
| Focus issues create stress | Worry exists without a clear trigger |
Not everyone with ADHD will experience anxiety. For those who do, can treating your ADHD make you feel less stressed? Sometimes, yes—if the anxiety is linked to the challenges that come with ADHD symptoms. If anxiety is unrelated to ADHD, a separate approach is usually necessary.
How to Get Rid of Anxiety from Adderall
Anxiety from Adderall is a common experience for some people. Speaking with a healthcare provider before making any changes to medication is recommended. Medical guidelines support professional supervision when adjusting any prescription.
Doctors sometimes change the Adderall dosage, switch the time of day the medicine is taken, or recommend a different medication. Stopping Adderall suddenly without a doctor’s help can cause withdrawal symptoms and is not advised.
Reducing caffeine intake helps prevent the combined effects of two stimulants. Physical activity, such as regular exercise, can use up extra energy and help calm the body. Breathing techniques, like slow, deep breaths, may give immediate relief from anxious feelings. Keeping a regular sleep schedule helps support mental health and may ease anxiety from Adderall. Adding self-calming exercises for anxiety to your routine can also help manage symptoms.
A doctor’s guidance is important if anxiety becomes severe or leads to panic attacks. Chest pain or heart palpitations require immediate attention. Suicidal thoughts, behaviors, or the inability to carry out daily responsibilities are signals to contact a mental health professional right away.
People often search for how to get rid of anxiety from Adderall or how to get rid of Adderall anxiety. Each person’s situation is unique, so working with a medical provider is the recommended approach.
Stimulants and Anxiety Disorders Overview
Stimulant medications, such as those used to treat ADHD, are usually not recommended for people who have anxiety disorders. Stimulants can increase alertness and energy, but they can also make anxiety symptoms more noticeable or intense.
Research from organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) shows that it is common for individuals with ADHD to also have an anxiety disorder. In fact, studies estimate that up to half of the people with ADHD live with both conditions at the same time.
When both ADHD and anxiety are present, stimulants and anxiety disorder are considered together in treatment planning. In many cases, using non-stimulant medications and therapy leads to better outcomes for people who have both diagnoses. Stimulants are not used as a primary treatment for anxiety because they can cause or increase symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, and trouble sleeping.
Medical guidelines from mental health experts generally advise against using stimulants to treat anxiety. Instead, other types of medications or therapy are selected to target the anxiety symptoms directly. This approach helps reduce the risk of making anxiety worse while still addressing other mental health needs.
The relationship between anxiety and Adderall, as well as other stimulants, highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans and ongoing assessment by medical professionals.
Alternative Treatments for Anxiety and ADHD
There is several evidence-based alternative treatments for people who have both anxiety and ADHD. Choosing the right approach often depends on the combination and severity of symptoms.
Non-stimulant medications are an option for ADHD, especially if stimulants are not well tolerated or increase anxiety. Strattera (atomoxetine) is an FDA-approved non-stimulant for ADHD. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD. Other medications in this category include guanfacine and clonidine. These medications do not work the same way as stimulant medications and may be better tolerated by people who also experience anxiety.
Treatments designed specifically for anxiety are frequently used alongside ADHD interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured form of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to anxiety. Medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms. Mindfulness-based interventions are also used to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. In addition, some individuals explore natural remedies for anxiety in conjunction with standard treatment.
Some people benefit from a treatment plan that addresses both ADHD and anxiety at the same time. Integrated approaches may include a combination of non-stimulant ADHD medication, therapy for anxiety, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and consistent sleep routines. Discussing alternative treatments and the role of anxiety medication and adderall with a healthcare provider can help identify the most appropriate plan for each person’s needs. Each plan may look different based on the individual’s unique symptoms and treatment goals.
Finding Professional Support for Complex Mental Health Needs
When a person lives with both ADHD and anxiety, the process of finding effective mental health treatment can involve several steps and different types of care. Professionals who specialize in mental health often work as part of a team, which can include doctors, therapists, and counselors. Each specialist can help assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, and recommend evidence-based therapies.
Comprehensive care usually means a treatment plan that addresses all of a person’s mental health needs, not just one diagnosis. This plan may combine medication, therapy, education, and support for everyday challenges. Individualized plans are important because symptoms and responses to treatment often differ from person to person.
Professional help is especially important for people with more than one mental health condition, such as ADHD and anxiety. For coordinated care, many find support at Pennsylvania dual diagnosis facilities. Specialists are trained to recognize the ways these conditions can overlap and interact. With personalized care and ongoing support, people with complex mental health needs can work toward improved stability and well-being.
