Does Adderall Cause Anxiety?

Anxiety is an intense feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It’s normal for us to experience this feeling every once in a while, especially before an important event. However, those diagnosed with anxiety disorders may experience anxiety more regularly than the average person, usually after being exposed to or experiencing a specific stimulus. The use of certain drugs or medications can also worsen and possibly contribute to the onset of anxiety, one of which is presumed to be Adderall. But does Adderall cause anxiety?

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant medication composed of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These two stimulants work together to increase the levels of chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Adderall is part of a class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants. For the most part, drugs in this class are designed to stimulate activity in the brain and body to increase the levels of particular neurotransmitters or chemical messengers.

Despite being a prescription stimulant, Adderall and other drugs of its class have a potential for abuse, a problem that’s become alarmingly common among college students and professionals seeking to enhance their performance at school or work. However, in addition to the rush of euphoria and increased confidence stimulants produce, they also cause side effects like increased blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.

Due to its potential for addiction, Adderall is a controlled substance that’s classified as a Schedule II drug, along with other substances like opioids and narcotics. Those who abuse Adderall by taking higher doses or mixing it with other substances may increase their risk of addiction and possibly require the help of medically monitored detox to physically recover.

What Does Adderall Do?

Adderall is normally prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall can help improve symptoms of ADHD like poor focus and concentration, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Although this drug can improve focus and help those with ADHD manage their impulsive behaviors, Adderall can also produce some undesirable side effects, including:

• Dry mouth
• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Dizziness
• Slowed or slurred speech

Rarer and more severe Adderall side effects include shaking, seizures, hallucinations, paranoia, and worsening symptoms of mental illness. If you or someone you know is taking this medication and experiences any of these adverse side effects, speak to the prescribing doctor about possibly switching medications or changing the dose.

Can Adderall Cause Anxiety?

Many people have reported experiencing anxiety from Adderall use. Due to the drug’s effects on the central nervous system and side effects like increased heart rate and breathing, it’s believed that Adderall does cause anxiety and worsen the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. A link between illicit stimulants like meth and anxiety has also been established for the same reason.

In addition to experiencing anxiety after Adderall use, this drug can also produce side effects that are similar to anxiety symptoms or that may lead to anxiety symptoms, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, insomnia, restlessness, and panic. While Adderall remains a commonly prescribed drug, it’s important for people who experience anxiety frequently or have anxiety disorders to avoid misusing Adderall in an attempt to improve their performance at school or work.

Treating Addiction and Mental Illness

Not only does Adderall make you anxious, but as a stimulant, it also has a potential for abuse and addiction. Many people who misuse Adderall for personal gain often end up addicted to it.

In addition to its ability to improve focus and decrease impulsivity, Adderall also increases levels of dopamine in the brain, a chemical that’s associated with pleasure and reward. Dopamine is usually a driving factor in the onset of drug addiction and is one of the main chemicals in the body that are affected by drugs.

If you or a loved one has developed an addiction to an illicit or prescription drug, our Christian rehab in Florida can help. Faith in Recovery offers a multitude of rehab programs to help people recover from addiction.

From prescription drug detox to opioid and benzo addiction treatment programs, our faith-based inpatient rehab offers everything that patients need to physically and mentally recover from drug and alcohol abuse. Because we understand the importance of a strong support system, our Christian recovery center also offers family therapy to promote healing between patients and their parents, spouses, and siblings.

To learn more about our faith-based recovery programs and how to get started in your recovery, call Faith in Recovery today at 888-280-4763.

Related Reading:
Adderall Overdose Symptoms
Scripture for Anxiety