How to Get Rid of Anxiety from Adderall? (Proven Methods)

How do you get rid of anxiety from Adderall?

Anxiety can be a debilitating side effect of taking Adderall, a medication commonly used to treat ADHD. 

While Adderall is FDA-approved for ADHD, it is not typically prescribed to alleviate anxiety symptoms. In fact, Adderall can actually worsen anxiety in some cases. 

If you’re struggling with anxiety caused by Adderall, it’s important to find effective strategies to manage and reduce these symptoms. 

In this article, we will explore various techniques, alternatives, and lifestyle changes that can help you alleviate anxiety from taking Adderall.

Understanding Adderall-Induced Anxiety

Adderall is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

It belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain to improve focus, attention, and impulse control.⁽¹⁾

While Adderall can be effective in managing these conditions, it is important to understand that it can also have potential side effects, including anxiety. 

While Adderall is intended to improve attention and focus, it can also lead to adverse effects such as anxiety. This may occur due to its stimulant properties, which can increase arousal and agitation in some individuals.⁽²⁾

Additionally, Adderall can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, potentially contributing to feelings of anxiety.

Other common side effects include:

• Sleep disturbances
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure

Recognizing Symptoms of Adderall-Induced Anxiety

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Adderall-induced anxiety so that you can seek appropriate help and support.

We will provide an overview of these symptoms to help you identify if you or someone you know may be experiencing anxiety related to Adderall use.

• Restlessness: One of the key signs of Adderall-induced anxiety is restlessness. You may feel an uncontrollable urge to move around, fidget, or constantly change positions.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be a common symptom of Adderall-induced anxiety. You may find yourself lying awake at night, tossing and turning, with racing thoughts and worries.
• Panic Attacks: Adderall can trigger panic attacks in some individuals. Symptoms of a panic attack include a sudden onset of intense fear or discomfort, heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sense of impending doom.
• Heart Palpitations: Adderall can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may lead to heart palpitations. You may experience a fluttering or pounding sensation in your chest.
• Excessive Worrying: Adderall-induced anxiety can cause excessive worry and fear about everyday events or situations. Your mind may constantly be racing with negative thoughts and scenarios.

It’s important to note that these symptoms may vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual.

Differentiating Between Normal Side Effects and Anxiety

It is important to be able to differentiate between these normal side effects and actual anxiety symptoms. Here are some key points to keep in mind when assessing your condition:

1. Understand the common side effects: It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the common side effects of Adderall to identify any potential anxiety symptoms. These side effects include loss of appetite, stomachache, dizziness, and nervousness.
2. Pay attention to timing: If you experience these side effects shortly after taking Adderall, it is likely that they are normal reactions to the medication. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen over time, it may indicate the presence of anxiety.
3. Look for additional anxiety symptoms: If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to anxiety rather than the usual side effects of Adderall, be on the lookout for other anxiety symptoms. These can include restlessness, feelings of danger or panic, rapid heart rate, trembling, weakness, difficulty focusing, and insomnia.
4. Monitor the severity and impact: Consider how much these symptoms are affecting your daily life. If they are causing significant distress or interfering with your ability to function, it may be worth seeking help to address them.

Strategies to Alleviate Adderall-Induced Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety caused by Adderall can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help. It’s important to address this issue promptly to ensure a positive treatment experience.

Here are five strategies to alleviate Adderall-induced anxiety:

1. Practice Relaxation Techniques: When you feel anxious, relaxation techniques can help calm your mind and body. Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are effective techniques to reduce anxiety symptoms. Taking deep breaths and focusing on your breath can instantly calm your nervous system.
2. Engage in Regular Exercise: Exercise is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and improving overall well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Incorporate activities like jogging, yoga, or swimming into your routine to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms.
3. Maintain a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet plays an essential role in managing anxiety. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Instead, opt for nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, have also been shown to reduce anxiety.
4. Seek Therapy: Therapy can provide valuable support for managing anxiety caused by Adderall. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping individuals identify and address negative thought patterns and develop healthy coping mechanisms. A therapist can work with you to develop personalized strategies to manage anxiety and build resilience.
5. Adjust Medication with Professional Guidance: If you’re experiencing severe anxiety as a result of Adderall, it’s important to communicate your symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can adjust your medication dosage or explore alternative options that may better suit your needs. Working closely with a healthcare professional ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment for both your ADHD and anxiety.

Natural Alternatives to Adderall to Consider

If anxiety symptoms persist or worsen despite your efforts, then the best option is to consider choosing an alternative medication to manage your ADHD. Everyone’s experience with Adderall and anxiety is different. It’s crucial to find strategies that work best for you.

For those looking for a new stimulant medication, there are several alternatives to Adderall that are effective and safe for both short-term and long-term use.

This will allow you to continue your supplementation regimen and avoid irritability as your medication wares off.⁽³⁾

Here is a summary of some of the best alternatives to Adderall:

1. Vyvamind: This brain supplement is a long-acting stimulant that is similar to Adderall. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, improving focus and attention. Vyvamind is often prescribed as an alternative to Adderall because it is natural and has a lower risk of abuse and addiction. It’s fast-acting formula comes in the form of capsules and it’s available over the counter as a neurostimulant to treat ADHD. Vyvamind is manufactured in FDA-approved and GMP-certified facilities to ensure its effectiveness and safety of use.
2. Mind Lab Pro: Mind Lab Pro is a top-rated brain supplement that is designed to boost cognitive performance. It contains a powerful all-in-one nootropic formula with 11 distinct substances, including Citicoline, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Rhodiola Rosea. Mind Lab Pro aims to support both immediate and long-term mental wellness by targeting six separate brain pathways.
3. Nooceptin: Nooceptin is a natural nootropic pill that aims to improve cognitive performance. It contains seven important nootropic ingredients, including Citicoline, which raises levels of acetylcholine for improved attention and learning. Nooceptin is designed to enhance cognitive performance in multiple ways, such as increasing cerebral blood flow and dendrite formation.
4. NooCube: NooCube is a nootropic supplement that aims to improve mental clarity, focus, and memory. It contains 13 natural nootropic ingredients, including L-Theanine and Bacopa Monnieri, which enhance recollection and memory. NooCube is designed for everyday use and is considered safe due to its all-natural formula.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to consider alternatives to Adderall in order to address the issue of anxiety associated with Adderall use.

While Adderall is an effective medication for enhancing focus and cognitive performance, it can also come with undesirable side effects, including anxiety. 

Alternative options, like Vyvamind, are popular over-the-counter supplements that are considered the closest alternative to Adderall and that many patients also take together with Adderall. These effective alternatives offer similar benefits without the risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms associated with prescription stimulants.

By exploring alternative options, individuals can find a suitable solution to enhance their cognitive abilities while minimizing the negative effects of anxiety.

Remember to discuss your supplementation with a healthcare provider in order to find the best new alternatives to Adderall for you.

1. Weyandt, Lisa L et al. “Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students.” Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 6,3 58. 27 Jun. 2018, doi:10.3390/pharmacy6030058 ↩
2. Berman, S M et al. “Potential adverse effects of amphetamine treatment on brain and behavior: a review.” Molecular psychiatry vol. 14,2 (2009): 123-42. doi:10.1038/mp.2008.90 ↩
3. Barr, Jeffrey L et al. “Withdrawal from chronic amphetamine produces persistent anxiety-like behavior but temporally-limited reductions in monoamines and neurogenesis in the adult rat dentate gyrus.” Neuropharmacology vol. 59,6 (2010): 395-405. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.05.011 ↩