{"id":627616,"date":"2024-03-31T19:20:57","date_gmt":"2024-03-31T23:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627616"},"modified":"2025-10-08T13:09:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T17:09:40","slug":"does-adderall-help-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-adderall-help-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Adderall help with anxiety?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adderall<\/span><\/a> contains a mixture of two central nervous system stimulants (<\/span>CNS<\/span><\/a>), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is <\/span>approved<\/span><\/a> by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a>) in adults and <\/span>children 3 years and older<\/span><\/a>. It can also be used to treat <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a> in adults and children 6 years and older. Many patients with ADHD want to know if <\/span>Adderall<\/span><\/a> helps with <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>. The short answer is that Adderall is not used to treat anxiety. However, ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand, so effectively treating ADHD symptoms may indirectly help with anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, anxiety can occur as a side effect of Adderall. Continue reading to learn more about Adderall and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Adderall help with anxiety?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the <\/span>Anxiety and Depression Association of America<\/span><\/a> (ADAA), approximately half of the adults with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Having both ADHD and anxiety can have a significant impact on one\u2019s ability to function. Adults with ADHD are likely to have other mental health conditions, not just anxiety. People with ADHD may experience <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a>, or other mood disorders and mental disorders. So, to add another layer to treatment options, medical professionals often have to consider other coexisting health conditions\u2014not just ADHD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have ADHD and also experience anxiety, you may want to know if Adderall can help with both conditions. Unfortunately, the answer is not clear-cut. On the one hand, anxiety and nervousness are listed as side effects of Adderall and <\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> (the extended-release formulation of Adderall). Neither drug is FDA-approved to treat anxiety. What\u2019s more, certain side effects of stimulant medications like Adderall or Adderall XR, such as a fast or pounding heartbeat or dry mouth, are also common physical symptoms of anxiety. So, experiencing these side effects from Adderall may worsen feelings of anxiety, according to the ADAA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, some individuals may find that ADHD causes a lot of anxiety, and treating ADHD with Adderall may improve ADHD symptoms, which, in turn, may reduce anxiety indirectly. However, it is important to note that Adderall does not directly reduce anxiety (and can be a common side effect of the drug, as discussed above).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One study<\/span><\/a> found that treating ADHD with a stimulant drug like <\/span>Adderall or Ritalin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>methylphenidate<\/span><\/a>) may help with anxiety. The researchers noted that effects might vary\u2014for example, Adderall may temporarily alleviate anxiety in the short term, but using it over a long period of time could lead to more anxiety later on. <\/span>Another study<\/span><\/a> concluded that young males who took stimulant medication for ADHD had a significantly lower risk of developing <\/span>depression and anxiety<\/span><\/a> in adulthood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because everyone is different and has unique medical backgrounds, only a healthcare provider can determine if Adderall will be beneficial if you have both ADHD and anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: How much is Adderall without insurance?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What does Adderall do if you don’t have ADHD?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adderall is <\/span>classified<\/span><\/a> as a Schedule II <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a>. This means that Adderall use has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and severe addiction. Adderall has many <\/span>potential side effects<\/span><\/a>, including various serious and life-threatening side effects. It is important to use Adderall only when prescribed by a healthcare provider. According to the prescribing information, the way <\/span>Adderall works<\/span><\/a> is not entirely understood, but it is thought to increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Misusing Adderall<\/span><\/a> can cause many dangerous effects, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n