Paying attention is expected of people. In some cases, like operating heavy machinery, it’s a necessity. In other cases, it’s a sign of respect, like talking to another person. But some people have a hard time paying attention or sitting still. This is not borne out of any disrespect but because they were born with a disorder that makes it difficult for them to do so.
Some medications can help a person calm down and focus, but these medications can have unintended side effects. Adderall is one such medication that can cause unwanted side effects.
At Luxe Recovery, we can help people who become dependent on misusing prescription medication.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication that is used primarily to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. It is also used to treat narcolepsy. It is a central nervous system stimulant made from a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Many people take Adderall, and the use of prescription stimulants like Adderall has trended upward.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration classified Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has a valid medical use but also a potential for misuse.
When is Adderall Prescribed?
Typically speaking, Adderall is prescribed when a person is diagnosed with ADHD. Adderall can help manage ADHD symptoms. It’s also prescribed when a person is diagnosed with narcolepsy, as Adderall can help prevent them from feeling drowsy during the day. It can also be prescribed as an off-label treatment for other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, especially in cases wherein the patient has not responded to other interventions.
Can Adderall Cause Anxiety and Other Mental Health Problems?
Adderall has the potential to cause users to experience anxiety symptoms, especially in cases where it is misused. As a stimulant, Adderall may increase anxiety symptoms. This can lead to instances of nervousness, restlessness, and even panic attacks in those who already struggle with anxiety disorders.
The physical effects of Adderall, like increased heart rate, sweating, and becoming jittery, can also exacerbate anxiety symptoms. In some cases, the long-term use of Adderall can cause a person to become paranoid, and they may become suspicious or mistrustful of other people.
How Can You Manage Adderall-Related Anxiety?
There are a number of ways that a person can reduce anxiety symptoms as a result of Adderall use. These ways can include:
Managing Medication
One way is to adjust a person’s dose, as there are times when a person’s dosage is too high.
Because Adderall is a stimulant medication, it can sometimes make it difficult for a person to sleep. This lack of sleep can exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety in some people, so taking Adderall earlier in the day can potentially help a person get more sleep and alleviate their anxiety.
If anxiety does persist as a side effect of Adderall, then some patients may switch to an alternative medication such as atomoxetine or guanfacine, both of which are used to treat ADHD.
A person can also be prescribed SSRIs or benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, and they take these medications in conjunction with Adderall.
Lifestyle Changes
Many lifestyle changes can be made to help reduce anxiety. One change is to be more active. Regular physical activity can release mood-boosting endorphins, which can help with anxiety symptoms.
Holistic techniques such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and deep-breathing exercises can also help a person manage anxiety. As mentioned previously, getting adequate sleep can help with anxiety, as can eating a balanced diet.
Therapy
Some therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help with anxiety. Individual counseling sessions can also be a boon to those struggling with both ADHD and anxiety.
Other Adderall Side Effects
The side effects of Adderall are not limited to anxiety. Other side effects can include:
Insomnia
Many stimulants can cause people to have a hard time sleeping. Over time, this can evolve into insomnia, which can have major effects on a person’s physical and mental health.
Weight Loss
Adderall can suppress a person’s appetite, which can lead to weight loss. This effect affects children more dramatically, as it can lead to significant delays in a child’s growth and development.
Other Physical Effects
Taking Adderall can also cause dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, and digestive issues. Because stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure when taken, long-term use can lead to the development of cardiovascular issues.
Addiction
Long-term Adderall use can lead to a physical and mental dependence on taking the drug. This can evolve into addiction, wherein the drug becomes a person’s highest priority, and the use of the drug supersedes everything else, including self-preservation in some cases.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Adderall Use
When a person who is dependent on Adderall stops taking the medication, they may suffer several withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary, but a good rule of thumb is that withdrawing from a drug will have the opposite effect of taking it. As such, one common symptom of Adderall withdrawal is fatigue.
Some people may also become excessively sleepy when not on the drug. This does not mean that a person in withdrawal will be able to sleep, as some may have insomnia despite their fatigue.
Withdrawing can also cause depression, which can include low moods and a muted ability to feel pleasure. Another mental health symptom that can occur when a person is unable to use Adderall is anxiety, as withdrawing can sometimes make them restless or frustrated.
Withdrawing from Adderall can also increase a person’s appetite, and they’ll often crave food, often foods that are high in sugar or carbohydrates.
Cognitive impairment, such as difficulty concentrating or remembering things, may occur.
Handling Withdrawal Symptoms
While these effects can seem rather unpleasant, there are a few ways to mitigate or manage them. One way to minimize their severity is to taper off usage. Instead of stopping all at once, a person can slowly reduce their Adderall consumption until it hits zero. A generally healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep, can also minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Adderall Addiction Treatment
If a person is addicted to Adderall, there are many ways in which they can be helped. One potent way to help them is with inpatient treatment. During the 28 or more days that a person spends in a recovery center, they will receive intensive care for their addiction and the underlying issues that led to the addiction in the first place.
Outpatient treatment is a flexible option wherein a person attends multiple therapy sessions per week, and the patient schedules these sessions around their other responsibilities. While outpatient treatment can seem appealing, those with severe addiction disorders will almost certainly need the intensive care only found with inpatient treatment.
Manage Anxiety Caused by Adderall at Luxe Recovery
Adderall and anxiety are linked in many ways. Taking the medication can cause anxiety, but not taking it can also cause anxiety. That may not seem entirely fair, especially for someone who needs the medication. Solving one problem begets another.
But there are other ADHD medications as well as treatments and interventions that can help a person manage both ADHD and anxiety, allowing them to live full, healthy lives that are not dictated by either condition.
At Luxe Recovery, we make it our mission to help those struggling with prescription drug use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Contact us, and we will begin helping you pave your own path forward.
