{"id":634100,"date":"2025-11-14T09:30:42","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T14:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=634100"},"modified":"2025-11-07T15:36:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T20:36:09","slug":"does-vyvanse-help-with-anxiety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/does-vyvanse-help-with-anxiety\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Vyvanse help with anxiety?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people who take Vyvanse for ADHD or binge eating disorder (BED) also live with anxiety, and might wonder how the medication might affect their symptoms. <\/span>Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous stimulant (CNS) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children over six, as well as for moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Because it\u2019s a<\/span>\u00a0Schedule II controlled substance<\/span><\/a>, Vyvanse has a high potential for misuse and dependence\u2014especially when used outside of the prescribed guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

While Vyvanse isn\u2019t prescribed to treat anxiety, it can affect anxiety levels in different ways. For some, treating ADHD or BED with Vyvanse may actually reduce anxious feelings. For others, the stimulant effects can make anxiety worse. Understanding how Vyvanse and anxiety interact can help you and your healthcare provider find the right balance.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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How Vyvanse works in the brain<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vyvanse is a central nervous system stimulant approved to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED). <\/span>ADHD symptoms<\/span><\/a> often include trouble focusing, impulsivity, restlessness, and difficulties with executive functioning. <\/span>BED<\/span><\/a>, on the other hand, involves recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food accompanied by a feeling of loss of control.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vyvanse<\/span> works by<\/span><\/a> boosting certain brain chemicals that help regulate attention and behaviour. \u201cVyvanse increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which work to improve attention, focus, and impulse control,\u201d explains<\/span> Jeffrey Ditzell, DO,<\/span><\/a> a psychiatrist based in New York, New York.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this same mechanism can also influence anxiety. \u201cVyvanse, like other stimulants, increases what is called catecholamine activities in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can lead to increased arousal, restlessness, and anxiety in patients who are susceptible,\u201d adds <\/span>Consuelo Corazon Cagande-Maestrado, MD<\/span><\/a>, a child and adult psychiatrist at Northwell Health.<\/span><\/p>\n

Relationship between ADHD and anxiety<\/span><\/h2>\n

ADHD and anxiety frequently occur together, even though they\u2019re distinct conditions. Research shows that anxiety affects about <\/span>18% of children with ADHD<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>more than half of adults with ADHD<\/span><\/a>, suggesting that many people manage symptoms of both at once.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because ADHD and anxiety share similar features, distinguishing between them can be challenging. \u201cThe main symptoms that overlap are fidgetiness or restlessness, inattention, and decreased concentration,\u201d says Dr. Cagande-Maestrado. These similarities can make it difficult to tell whether someone\u2019s difficulty focusing stems from ADHD, anxiety, or both.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Treatment strategies also tend to overlap. \u201cIn general, the preferred approach for these patients is integrative, often combining medication, therapy, and behavioral or lifestyle changes to target both executive functioning and anxiety symptoms,\u201d says Dr. Ditzell. He adds that treatment typically focuses on reducing ADHD symptoms while supporting overall nervous system regulation. Understanding how ADHD and anxiety interact can help guide safer, more effective use of meds like Vyvanse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Vyvanse help with anxiety?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vyvanse is not approved by the FDA to <\/span>treat anxiety<\/span><\/a>, and providers generally don\u2019t prescribe it for that reason. However, some people find that their anxiety improves once their primary condition, such as ADHD or binge eating disorder (BED), is effectively managed.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, a small<\/span> study<\/span><\/a> on adults taking Vyvanse for BED found mixed results: while some participants experienced increased anxiety, others reported their anxiety improved alongside a reduction in binge eating episodes. Those who saw the greatest improvement in anxiety also tended to experience the most progress in controlling their eating behaviors.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Dr. Ditzell notes that a similar effect can occur in people taking Vyvanse for ADHD. \u201cSome patients with ADHD have reported significant reductions in anxiety symptoms while taking Vyvanse,\u201d he explains. \u201cFor example, if an individual with ADHD experiences anxiety when they miss a work deadline due to an inability to concentrate and manage time effectively, then improvement in ADHD symptoms may result in a significant reduction of anxiety symptoms for that individual.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, Vyvanse\u2019s stimulant effects can have different impacts from person to person. While it may ease anxiety for some, it can intensify it for others. Understanding whether Vyvanse helps or worsens anxiety depends on individual brain chemistry, dosage, and the presence of coexisting conditions. Because of this, Vyvanse should not be used to treat anxiety on its own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Vyvanse may help reduce anxiety in people with ADHD or binge eating disorder, \u201cit can also worsen anxiety, as all stimulants can,\u201d explains Dr. Cagande-Maestrado, MD. \u201cSo, it should not be used for treating anxiety alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Vyvanse cause anxiety?<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Anxiety is a possible side effect of Vyvanse, particularly for people who are sensitive to stimulants or taking higher doses than prescribed. Because Vyvanse increases brain activity and raises levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, it can sometimes heighten physical or mental symptoms of anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects<\/span><\/a> associated with overstimulation from Vyvanse include:<\/span><\/p>\n