Living with both ADHD and anxiety can feel like an uphill battle every single day. For those with ADHD, the difficulties in focus, impulse control, and organizing tasks can result in increased stress and frustration. This may trigger or intensify anxiety. 

Since Adderall is a common medication used to treat ADHD, many might wonder, “does adderall help with anxiety?” Briefly put, while Adderall may improve focus and reduce some anxiety symptoms, it isn’t specifically designed to treat anxiety.    

ADHD and anxiety frequently coexist, with research indicating that almost half of adults diagnosed with ADHD also have some form of an anxiety disorder.  

At first glance, ADHD and anxiety might seem like completely different issues. ADHD is known for symptoms like impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and constant mental and physical restlessness. Anxiety, on the other hand, is driven by excessive worry, nervousness, and overthinking. However, there’s a lot of overlap. Both conditions can cause fidgeting, trouble concentrating, and racing thoughts, which can make it hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. 

For many people, ADHD-related struggles can result in chronic stress, which then fuels anxiety. At the same time, anxiety can make it even harder to focus, leaving someone with ADHD feeling more distracted and overwhelmed than ever. This cycle can be frustrating and exhausting.  

Adderall is a prescription medication classified as a stimulant. It’s the brand name for a combination of two active ingredients: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Both of these ingredients affect neurotransmitters in the brain to improve focus, alertness, and impulse control. 

Adderall comes in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR). The IR form works quickly but has a shorter duration and may require multiple doses throughout the day, whereas the XR form releases the medication slowly over a longer period. 

Adderall is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. For those with ADHD, this medication helps improve focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Adderall is also used to help individuals with narcolepsy stay awake and alert by stimulating the central nervous system.

Like all medications, Adderall comes with potential side effects. While some people tolerate it well, others may experience: 

• Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature
• Appetite suppression
• Dry mouth
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Changes in sex drive

In high doses, Adderall carries serious risks. Research suggests that those taking high doses of amphetamines are five times more likely to develop psychosis or mania. Many of these cases could be prevented with proper dosage monitoring, which is why it’s imperative to take Adderall exactly as prescribed and keep in close contact with your doctor. 

While Adderall is primarily for ADHD and narcolepsy, its impact on neurotransmitters may indirectly affect anxiety symptoms in certain individuals. When ADHD symptoms such as distractibility and impulsivity are better controlled, the increased focus and organizational skills can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and stress that may trigger anxiety. 

That said, it’s important to understand that any potential benefit for anxiety is incidental rather than a targeted treatment effect. Using Adderall specifically for anxiety is not recommended, and it should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. 

Yes, Adderall can worsen anxiety, especially in those who are sensitive to stimulants or already have high levels of norepinephrine activity due to anxiety. Norepinephrine is the body’s fight or flight response, and increased levels can result in increased alertness, a rapid heartbeat, and feelings of panic. 

Additionally, research shows that those with ADHD often have reduced norepinephrine activity (which Adderall helps to correct). This is contradictory to individuals who have anxiety, and adding Adderall to the mix can exacerbate symptoms.  

Adderall may not be the best option for treating anxiety symptoms; however, there are several other effective methods that do so. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), other medications, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Here’s a closer look. 

CBT is a common treatment for anxiety disorders. It focuses on the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which helps you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety. During CBT sessions, you work with a therapist to: 

• Understand the situations or thoughts that lead to anxiety.
• Learn to question and reframe the automatic, distorted thoughts that cause or worsen anxiety. 
• Build skills to manage anxiety in real-time, such as relaxation techniques and problem-solving strategies. 

Over time, CBT can help you break the cycle of anxious thinking and reduce avoidance behaviors. 

In addition to therapy, your doctor may recommend taking medication to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Several different types of medications are used for treating anxiety and include: 

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Often considered a first-line treatment for anxiety, common examples include: 

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

These medications work on both serotonin and norepinephrine: 

• Venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Benzodiazepines

Used for short-term anxiety treatment; however caution is advised due to risks of dependency: 

• Lorazepam (Ativan)
• Alprazolam (Xanax)

Other Options

• Buspirone (Buspar): A non-benzodiazepine that can help reduce anxiety over time. 

Beta Blockers (e.g., Propranolol/Inderal): Used for performance anxiety and help control physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and trembling.

If medications are unsuccessful, or you cannot handle medication side effects, TMS therapy is a third option to consider for treating anxiety. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that uses electromagnetic induction to activate specific areas of the brain. 

During a session, a device is placed near your scalp to deliver magnetic pulses that can either increase or decrease brain activity depending on the frequency of the pulses used. Low-frequency repetitive TMS (rTMS) at less than or equal to 1 Hz decreases the excitability of the brain regions targeted, which makes it effective for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). 

One study proves the effectiveness of TMS in treating anxiety. It found that applying low-frequency rTMS to the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) improved symptoms in anxiety patients. Not only did the treatment normalize abnormal EEG patterns, but the improvements were also sustained as patients reported continued symptoms relief at a one-month follow up. 

If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone and help is within reach. Whether you need medication management or are looking for alternative treatments like TMS therapy, Pulse TMS is here for you. Contact us today for a consultation.