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September 20, 2022

Adderall and Anxiety: What You Need to Know

Adderall and anxiety can be closely linked. And, since more and more people are being prescribed Adderall and other stimulants each year, it’s important to understand how they can go hand in hand.

So, how do you find out if your Adderall use is related to your anxiety?

Read on to learn about the relationship between Adderall and anxiety.

What Is Adderall Used For?

Adderall is the brand name for a stimulant that contains a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall is most commonly used to treat ADHD (attention deficit disorder). It can be extremely helpful for people struggling with this disorder.

Adderall is effective for treating ADHD since it helps people focus on tasks and complete them, rather than getting distracted by outside influences or their thoughts. That can be a game-changer for people who have trouble overcoming their ADHD.

Adderall can also be used to treat other conditions, like narcolepsy. In rare cases, it may be prescribed to help with anxiety. But, Adderall can also make the symptoms of anxiety much worse.

That’s why, like with any medication, it’s important to understand Adderall risks before you begin taking it. People with preexisting conditions such as heart issues or kidney disease need to let their doctor know before they begin taking Adderall, so you can be informed whether or not it’s safe for you.

How Do You Know If You Have Anxiety?

If you haven’t suffered from anxiety in the past, it may be hard to recognize the symptoms. The symptoms of anxiety can include:

  • Nervousness
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Feelings of panic
  • Sweating
  • Having trouble concentrating
  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia
  • Changes in your breathing pattern such as shortness of breath

If anxiety goes untreated, it may steadily get worse. Untreated anxiety could eventually lead to panic attacks. Panic attacks can be debilitating and aren’t a fun thing to struggle with.

But, there are lots of treatments for anxiety out there, so you don’t have to suffer forever. Some lifestyle changes, like reducing stress or exercising more, may help you reduce your levels of anxiety.

Different forms of counseling or therapy can be used to help you work through your anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT,  is the type of therapy that is most often used to address anxiety.

Certain medications are also prescribed in order to treat anxiety, either on a short-term or long-term basis.

Can Adderall Cause Anxiety?

Unfortunately, Adderall can cause or exacerbate anxiety.

People with ADHD often also have anxiety — around fifty percent, in fact — so it’s important to understand the correlation between Adderall and anxiety.

Some of the side effects of Adderall include nausea, insomnia, mood changes, elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, loss of appetite, and headaches.

All of these side effects could also serve to make your anxiety worse. They’re also similar to anxious feelings you may already be experiencing, which could make it hard to figure out what feeling is caused by what. It’s a real chicken and egg problem.

Adderall can also lead to other health problems. That’s why it’s important that you and your doctor carefully monitor your health when you take Adderall, so you can discontinue your use if you begin experiencing particularly negative side effects. That’s also why it’s important not to abuse Adderall.

If you’re not careful with your use, or if you confuse actual problems with normal side effects of use, you can cause significant damage to your health in a short amount of time.

Adderall Interactions With Other Medications

Because Adderall is a stimulant, it can cause differences in your brain chemistry.

It’s also important to know that if you have previously been diagnosed with anxiety, and already take medication for it, that medication may interact with the Adderall and cause issues you don’t want to deal with.

Adderall can also interact with other medications you may be taking for mental health problems, including different types of antidepressants. 

Always talk to your doctor when you begin taking any new medication to avoid contractions which can cause worse health problems.

Adderall Addiction and Abuse

Many people struggle with Adderall addiction or Adderall abuse. Adderall abuse is particularly common in students and people who work high-stress jobs, since it’s commonly known as a study drug

The more Adderall you take, the more at risk you are for serious health problems — including anxiety. That’s part of why it’s important to take Adderall under a doctor’s supervision, rather than buying it off of a friend. 

Abusing Adderall can cause even worse anxiety problems. Some of the signs of Adderall addiction or abuse include:

  • Sleeping changes such as insomnia
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Memory loss
  • Personality changes
  • Out of character impulsive behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Hyperactivity or euphoria

 

If you think you have a problem with misusing Adderall, or if you think someone in your life may be struggling with Adderall abuse, it may be time to get some professional help.

Adderall addiction can be difficult to overcome, so look into your treatment options when it comes to Adderall addiction to get started.

Adderall and Anxiety: Now You Know

Now that you’re aware of how Adderall and anxiety are related, you can make informed choices for your ADHD and anxiety needs. And, you can avoid falling into the pitfalls of Adderall abuse so you can stay happy and healthy.

Do you worry about your drug use? Are you looking for some support? Check out our admissions page to start your wellness journey today.

About Restore

Are you or someone you care about struggling with drug or alcohol addiction in San Diego, California? Look no further than Restore Detox Centers, the leading 24-hour residential treatment facility. Our dedicated team is committed to providing effective rehabilitation services tailored to your individual needs.

We understand the challenges you face on your path to recovery, which is why we offer a comprehensive range of programs, including medically assisted detox and residential treatment. Our ultimate goal is to guide you towards a life free from addiction and help you achieve long-term success. 

Rest assured that our facility is accredited by The Joint Commission, guaranteeing the highest standards of quality and safety. You can rely on our compassionate team of professionals to support you every step of the way. 

If you're ready to take the first step towards healing, don't hesitate to contact Restore Detox Centers today. Let us be your trusted partner in your journey to recovery.

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