Adderall is a stimulant of the central nervous system often prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity, commonly referred to as ADHD.
Adderall is a sympathomimetic drug, which means it enhances the activation of the sympathetic nervous system as well as the fight or flight response.
Approximately one in ten kids in the United States suffer from ADHD, with about 3 percent of this group having taken Adderall the previous year.
Along with these figures, there has been a correlation between anxiety and Adderall, hence the question of whether Adderall causes anxiety.
Adderall and Anxiety:
Does Adderall Cause Anxiety?
The brain and neurotransmitter regions that Adderall acts on for attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) treatment are similar to those active when an individual experiences anxiety.
Amphetamines in Adderall can instigate activities in the amygdala region of the brain.
This region is often referred to as the brain’s fear center, which means that it sends signals to other parts of your body when it senses danger.
Therefore, when Adderall prompts activity in the amygdala, your brain reacts as though there’s danger, sending signals to the rest of the body which engages in a fight or flight mode.
The outcome of this is symptoms of anxiety which may include anxiousness or nervousness, sweating, difficulty concentrating, hyperventilation or rapid breathing, and tense muscles.
How to Manage Anxiety while Taking Adderall
Despite the above outcome, the good news is that you can manage your anxiety symptoms while still taking Adderall.
One of the strategies you can employ to manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms is communication.
Openly discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
They can adjust your dosage, explore alternative treatments, or offer guidance on managing anxiety while on Adderall.
Your healthcare professional may prescribe an anti anxiety medication as you continue taking Adderall.
Alternatively, they may recommend other treatment options that don’t involve medication such as referring you to a clinical psychologist for therapy treatment.
Another approach to managing anxiety is to eat a healthy diet.
According to scientific studies, the diet you consume greatly affects your mental health as well as well being.
More specifically, diet can affect your gut.
The gut is your second brain and, some even argue it might be very well called your first one.
The gut contains different types of bacteria making up the microbiome.
Although there are good bacteria in the gut, bad ones also exist in large quantities.
The bad bacteria thrive in unhealthy foods, which means the consumption of a poor diet, such as sugar, processed vegetables, and sweeteners, can provide a suitable environment for the bad bacteria to thrive.
Therefore, if you’re struggling with anxiety issues, you need to be careful of what you consume.
Lastly, if anxiety persists or worsens, your healthcare provider may explore switching to a different ADHD medication or adjusting your treatment plan.
Speak to your doctor to see what alternative options are available for you.
What You Should Remember…
Open and transparent communication with healthcare providers is key to managing anxiety while benefiting from the therapeutic effects of Adderall.
Moreover, individuals should actively adopt lifestyle changes, such as switching to a healthy diet, while taking this medication.
Ultimately, the relationship between Adderall and anxiety is complex and varies among individuals, emphasizing the importance of approaching its use cautiously and under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.
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