Does Adderall Help or Cause Anxiety Symptoms?

Does Adderall Help with Anxiety?

Taking Adderall for anxiety does not help in any way. In most cases, medications like Adderall cause anxiety and may make its symptoms worsen too.

It's crucial to know that Adderall is not considered as an anti-anxiety medication. What it does is help people with mental health disorders such as attention span issues so that they could focus better, while improving their motivation and energy. That's why the drug is abused by students and athletes who dope themselves with Adderall to heighten their senses and develop a laser-like focus on their training or studies.

Adderall causes the exact opposite for people with anxiety as it will amp up the symptoms of someone suffering from anxiety. While the release of dopamine in the brain may result in a feel-good feeling, the results are just temporary which may be bad for people as it develops into an eventual craving resulting in addiction.

Does Adderall Cause Anxiety?

It's a known fact that there's a correlation between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety disorder. As the two mental health disorders coexist, they may be caused by various reasons.
In recent studies, it was estimated that an estimated half of people living with ADHD already have an anxiety disorder even before they have started taking prescription drugs such as Adderall as part of their anxiety treatment.

If we look at the other aspects of Adderall, it's also worth noting that ADHD medications such as this induce the neurotransmitter levels in your brain. Patients using Adderall may experience boosted chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, that may boost their mood and "feel high" while using Adderall. When this happens, the uptick in your brain activity may also lead to the development of an anxiety disorder.

In some cases, Adderall may indirectly cause anxiety to a person. As it forces the brain to release feel-good neurotransmitters, people may feel negative feelings once Adderall's effect starts to diminish.

People who constantly take Adderall may also develop a dependence on the drug. This action may further lead to substance abuse or substance use disorder. People who have developed this form of addiction may increase anxiety if weaned off from drug use.

How to Manage Anxiety Caused by Adderall Use?

Just as how a person may feel cocaine comedown and improve their condition through proper treatment, managing anxiety can also be achieved. There are many ways in which you could avoid increased anxiety. Here are some of the options that you can follow in managing anxiety caused by Adderall:

• Taking anti-anxiety medications - anti-anxiety medication in the form of drugs like Xanax and Valium could help treat anxiety. However, these drugs are highly addictive. It's best if you try other prescription medications such as sertraline and fluoxetine as they have no addictive potential.
• Alternative therapy for anxiety - Part of your anxiety disorder treatment, may involve a holistic approach that doesn't rely on medication. Behavioral therapy and other forms of non-medication treatment options may also work. Taking natural supplements to curb symptoms of anxiety is also advisable as other chemical-based medications may even make anxiety symptoms worse.
• Tapering medication - You can also gradually curb your dependence on Adderall under the strict supervision of a medical professional. However, the huge risk here would be the withdrawal symptoms that a person may encounter which may make anxiety worse or induce anxious feelings as a result.
• Halfway house - Staying in these residences may also help a person with mental health disorders or anxiety disorders to better cope with their mental illness and overall well-being. Most halfway houses have trained staff, such as counselors and medical staff to check on you while incorporating programs and activities that help you focus on your recovery.
• Dual diagnosis treatment - If anxiety and ADHD coincide, you may seek professional medical advice on how this particular treatment program may help you, especially in tackling Adderall and anxiety altogether.

Can Adderall be Addictive?

The substance could easily become addictive and develop into a worsening mental health disorder if you do not follow your prescription properly. One should keep in mind that Adderall is a classified amphetamine. Therefore, it may lead to further physical dependence if used constantly and misused properly than its ideal dosage.

However, this may not be the case all the time. Long-term users may build up tolerance eventually, which can also resort to addiction if not properly addressed. Therefore, if a patient is having issues with their Adderall prescription, it's best to consult with your physician right away so that they can find a better-suited alternative for your medication.

Many prescriptions may address attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without worrying much about Adderall and anxiety. Other factors or side effects should also be considered, especially when things like an individual's blood pressure, development of mood disorders, or worsening of panic attacks are apparent.

Does Transcend Recovery Community Assist with Adderall Addiction and Anxiety Disorders?

Although Transcend Recovery Community doesn't offer a full-range treatment program, there are many ways that we can show support to people in need of assistance during their treatment regimen.

Through our sober living programs, we offer a second chance to people to redeem themselves and change their path to lead sober and drug-free lives. We value a safe space where they will feel understood, loved, and valued.

Gender-specific spaces such as men's and women's sober living residences provide particular programs that address the precise needs that a person may have due to their gender. Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about the services offered.

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