Can Adderall Cause Anxiety? 5 Ways to Manage Side Effects

Like all medications, users have also reported side effects with Adderall, especially anxiety. Adderall is an effective prescription medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As per the FDA’s data, symptoms like anxiety show up only in 5% of adults who take Adderall. So, for those searching for “Can Adderall cause anxiety?” the answer is that it may but it is manageable and there are many nuances to this question.

Can Adderall Cause Anxiety?

Yes, there is a possibility that people taking Adderall will experience mild symptoms of anxiety initially. Adderall is a brand name for a stimulant called dextroamphetamine. While very effective, stimulants have a chance of causing these symptoms. However, there is an explanation that will help you manage Adderall-induced anxiety effectively.

Correlation of Adderall and Anxiety

Before knowing the cause of anxiety, it is important to understand the effects of stimulants on the body. When you take any stimulant like Adderall, it will:

Enhance the working of the nervous system
Increased heart rate

When your cardiovascular system is working at a faster rate, you are likely to experience symptoms like anxiety or nervousness. However, it is essential to remember that these are felt mildly and are manageable with the right tips and tricks.

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5 Effective Ways to Manage Adderall Anxiety

While anxiety can be a nuisance, it usually goes away after a few days of first taking Adderall. So, you should be good in a few days. However, you must still inform your doctor and stay in touch during the treatment. Apart from that, you can also manage Adderall-induced anxiety by making a few life changes.

1. Consider Adjusting to Different Dosage

When you first start taking Adderall, it can show symptoms of anxiety. However, these symptoms will be relieved soon. If your dose is increased again or the symptoms do not go away, you can talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose. Sometimes, those prescribed with higher dosages of Adderall will experience these issues, so lowering the dose can help.

2. Eat Healthy Foods

Processed and sugary foods are very common today and just as hazardous. It is not talked about enough how important gut health is for your mental health, especially if you are prone to anxiety. Let’s go by the saying you are what you eat. So, if you are eating healthy, you ARE healthy.

When taking medications like Adderall, it is even more vital to ensure that proper amounts of nutrients are being taken. Likewise, if you eat foods high in fat content, the absorption of Adderall can be affected. Therefore, taking care of your health generally can contribute to relieving anxiety.

3. Take Therapy

Therapy is effective for patients with ADHD. If you have Adderall-induced anxiety, it can also be managed with the help you cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Counseling can help you learn techniques to counter anxiety and manage stress.

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4. Exercise and Meditate

Working out on Adderall or exercising in any way releases happiness hormones, otherwise known as, endorphins. When you exercise or are physically active, happiness hormones are released, lowering stress and anxiety. It does not mean that you must be ripped like your gym buddies. Even morning runs or evening walks can do wonders in relieving your anxiety.

Meditation is a great and underrated tool for managing the symptoms of anxiety. Whether you have co-occurring disorder (anxiety and ADHD) or just Adderall-induced anxiety, meditation or mindfulness can help you overcome them.

5. Relaxing Yourself

While it may sound absurd, relaxing your muscles in any way, can lead to reduced anxiety. Some activities to help relax your tensed-up muscles include:

Taking a hot bath/shower: Hot baths or showers are a great way to relax your muscles

Yoga: Yoga poses also help relax your muscles. You can learn a few yoga exercises to calm your anxiety or stress.

Taking adequate sleep: Taking adequate sleep also highly affects your quality of life. When on Adderall, try taking an appropriate amount of sleep.

Try Breathing Exercise: Breathing exercises can be as simple as mindfully inhaling and exhaling.

Avoid caffeine: Caffeine, Adderall, and ADHD do not go well. Caffeine is a part of our daily routine but it must be avoided so that Adderal’s side effects are not exacerbated.

It is important to understand that stress is, unfortunately, an inevitable part of life. Knowing how to handle your medication-induced anxiety is very important.

Can Stopping Adderall Cause Anxiety?

Yes, experiencing anxiety when you are trying to come off from Adderall is a common phenomenon. It is one of the withdrawal symptoms of Adderall along with:

Depression
Mood changes
Irritability

It is better to taper off than suddenly stop Adderall. If you want guidance from online ADHD doctors, get started with Therapy Fleet today.

About Therapy Fleet

Therapy Fleet offers online mental health prescription and therapy services. If you are unsure whether you have ADHD or you simply need to talk to a mental health professional, Therapy Fleet can be your partner in this.

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Takeaway

Like all medications, Adderall is not free of some mild side effects like anxiety. But it is important to remember that Adderall anxiety usually goes away. In case it hits you every once in a while, you should learn some tips to manage it because the benefits outweigh the side effects. Moreover, stay in touch with your doctor and take counseling to manage Adderall-induced anxiety.

Life’s toughest battles often happen in silence, where resilience grows unseen. Remember, it’s okay to seek support—no one has to face it alone.

FAQs

1. Can Adderall-Induced Anxiety Go Away?

Yes, the side effects of Adderall are likely to go away in a week or so. When your body is adjusting to a new medication, it may take some time to do so. However, if your anxiety lasts longer and worsens, you should talk to your doctor straight away.

2. How Do You Counteract Adderall Anxiety?

Yes, by making healthy changes to your life, you can improve Adderall’s side effects and the symptoms of ADHD.

3. Can Adderall Cure Social Anxiety?

No, Adderall is only a cure for individuals diagnosed with ADHD. It is not used for anxiety. If someone who does not have ADHD takes Adderall, it can worsen the symptoms.