Taking Adderall For Adhd When You Have Anxiety
Adderall is a popular medication doctors prescribe to treat people with ADHD and narcolepsy. The stimulant, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is taken to elevate or enhance ones mood. The drugs chemical makeup is akin to methamphetamine and MDMA, more commonly known as ecstasy.
When people with ADHD take Adderall in prescribed therapeutic doses, they do so to improve their attention span and ability to concentrate for prolonged periods. People with narcolepsy take it to help them stay awake. Adderall doses can range between 5 mg and 30 mg and be taken once or twice a day.
Because of these effects, Adderall has attracted recreational users, particularly those in high school or college. They abuse the drug to give them more staying power to boost their sports or academic performances.
These reasons are why some refer to the addictive, habit-forming medication as a smart drug or study drug. Adderall also has appealed to people with eating disorders, who use it to curb their appetites.
Side effects of Adderall include elevated blood pressure, headache, appetite loss, weight loss, stomach pain, nervousness, agitation, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia, among others.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a popular class of antidepressants prescribed to decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. Serotonin is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain.
These medications work by influencing only serotonin and by preventing serotonin absorption by the nerve cells in the brain. By balancing serotonin functioning, SSRIs are able to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Common SSRIs include:
Studies have demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of SSRIs. These medications have also been found to cause limited side effects, making them the prescription medication of choice for panic disorder.
Adderall And Anxiety: Are Adhd Drugs Good To Use For Panic Disorders
Nearly half of U.S. adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also have some form of anxiety, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America . Having both conditions at the same time often adds to the struggle to function normally.
Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry and fear, and ADHD makes it challenging for people to control their inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Together, two can make life very difficult.
ADHD does not necessarily cause anxiety, but it can lead to an anxiety disorder in some people. The symptoms of both conditions often overlap, making it harder for people with ADHD to tell if they have an anxiety disorder.Healthline shares that while it can be hard to tell the two apart, experiencing both together can result in extreme conditions of symptoms that the two share. It gives the example that a person with ADHD may find it challenging to focus on what they are doing or following through with tasks they are responsible for completing.
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Alprazolam Ir Oral Tablet Vs Diazepam
Like alprazolam, diazepam is available as an IR oral tablet. Both medications are benzodiazepines. And theyre used to treat some of the same conditions, such as anxiety. But alprazolam and diazepam do have differences as well.
If youd like to know more about the similarities and differences of alprazolam and diazepam, see this comparison article. It discusses the brand-name versions of these drugs.
Talk with your doctor about which treatment is right for you.
How Long Does Treatment Last
How long treatment continues depends on you. Stopping panic attacks completely is a reasonable goal. Your doctor will design a treatment plan just for you. A treatment period lasting at least 6 to 9 months is usually recommended. Some people taking medicine for panic disorder are able to stop treatment after only a short time. Other people need to continue treatments over a long period of time, or even for their lifetime.
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How Long Do Alprazolams Effects Last
How long alprazolams effects last can depend on several factors. These include your age, the condition youre using it to treat, and other conditions you may have, such as liver problems.
In general, alprazolams effects last around 6 hours.
Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering treatment with alprazolam IR oral tablets include:
- your overall health
- any medical conditions you may have
- other medications or supplements you may take
Read on for details about these considerations and others.
Etiology / Causes And Risk Factors Of Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is thought to have a psychobiological conceptualization . This does not mean that panic attacks are due to a biological disease. What this does mean is that there are certain biological factors that may be inherited or passed on through genes, and thus may lead some people to be more likely than others to experience panic disorder symptoms. This is likely why panic disorder seems to run in families. In other words, if one family member has panic disorder, the other family members are more likely to experience panic symptoms or panic disorder compared to people without a family history of panic disorder. It is very important to note that just inheriting these vulnerabilities to panic does not make the onset of panic attacks inevitable or unalterable. In fact, it is possible to think and act in ways that prevent panic attacks.
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Symptoms Of Panic Attacks
The symptoms of Panic Disorder are clearly defined in the 5th edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
- Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
- A panic attack is a sudden increase in severe fear or discomfort. This discomfort generally reaches its worst peak within a few minutes. During this time four of the following symptoms are experienced:
- Following at least one of these panic attacks, must experience either:
- Continued concern about future panic attacks or the consequences
- Significant change in behavior associated with the attack
- Symptoms cannot be caused by a substance or medication or be due to a medical disorder
E Social Anxieties And Phobias
For those with social anxieties, medications can help to reduce the tensions associated with entering the fearful situation, to bring a racing heart and sweaty palms under control, and to reduce some shyness.
Physicians use several classes of medications that are beneficial, individually or in combination. These include the beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, venlafaxine, the SSRIs and trazodone.
The drugs with the longest history of use with social anxiety are the beta adrenergic blocking agents, also known as beta blockers. The most commonly used are propranolol and atenolol . The patient can take propranolol as needed or in dosages of 10 to 20 mg three to four times a day, or atenolol in dosages of 25 to 100 mg once daily. Surprisingly, controlled research studies have not supported the widespread anecdotal reports of success with beta blockers. Its possible that their best use is for occasional mild social anxieties associated with performance.
The high potency benzodiazepines clonazepam and alprazolam may also be effective. A combination of a beta blocker and low dosages of clonazepam or alprazolam could be best for some individuals.
If the social anxiety is more general, unpredictable and widespread, then patients may need to take venlafaxine, an MAOI such as phenelzine, or an SSRI such as sertraline. Keep in mind that these medications take several weeks to work.
Bupropion does not have enough evidence yet to verify its effectiveness for social anxiety disorder.
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How Are Panic Attacks Managed Or Treated
Psychotherapy, medications or a combination are very effective at stopping panic attacks. How long youll need treatment depends on the severity of your problem and how well you respond to treatment. Options include:
- Psychotherapy:Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy. You discuss your thoughts and emotions with a mental health professional, such as a licensed counselor or psychologist. This specialist helps identify panic attack triggers so you can change your thinking, behaviors and reactions. As you start to respond differently to triggers, the attacks decrease and ultimately stop.
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressant medications can make panic attacks less frequent or less severe. Providers may prescribe serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors , serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants . SSRIs include fluoxetine and paroxetine . SNRIs include duloxetine and venlafaxine . TCAs include amitriptyline and doxepin .
- Anti-anxiety medications: Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication to treat and prevent panic attacks. They help with anxiety but have risks of addiction or dependence. These medications include alprazolam and lorazepam .
What Are The Warnings/precautions/side Effects Of Anti
Antidepressants
Anxiolytics
- Benzodiazepines should not be abruptly stopped because of the risk of seizures and other serious side effects. It is dangerous to combine benzodiazepines with other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol. Doing so may cause profound drowsiness and/or impair breathing. Those who have breathing difficulties such as sleep apnea or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should not use benzodiazepines.
- Benzodiazepines frequently cause drowsiness therefore, care should be taken when operating machinery or motor vehicles.
- Side effects of antihistamines include drowsiness and dry mouth.
Anticonvulsants
Beta-Blockers
- Beta-blockers should not be withdrawn suddenly because severe cardiac problems, including heart attacks, may occur. Beta-blockers also should not be used in patients with certain breathing disorders, including bronchitis and emphysema.
- Beta-blockers can mask signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and overactive thyroid disease. Dizziness and drowsiness can occur with beta-blockers.
Alpha-Blockers
- The alpha-blocker prazosin can cause dizziness and lightheadedness, both common side effects. Early in treatment, fainting can occur, especially when standing up.
- The alpha-blockers clonidine and guanfacine may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, sedation, and weakness.
Antipsychotics
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How Do I Access Treatment
To get treatment on the NHS, the first step is normally to visit your GP. They will do an assessment, which might include asking you to fill in a questionnaire about how often you feel worried, anxious and nervous.
They should then explain your treatment options to you, and you can decide together what might suit you best.
See our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem for more information on how to prepare for an appointment and have your say in treatment.
Unfortunately NHS waiting lists for talking treatments can be very long. If you’re finding it hard to access talking therapies you could consider:
- Charities and specialist organisations. See useful contacts for a list of organisations that may offer therapy or be able to put you in touch with local services. Mind’s Infoline could also help you find services near you.
- Private therapy. Finding a private therapist is another option some people choose to explore, but it’s not suitable for everyone because it can be expensive. See our page on private therapy for more information.
What if my anxiety stops me from seeking help?
It can be especially hard to get treatment if making or attending an appointment with your doctor involves doing something that causes lots of anxiety for you. For example, you might not feel able to talk on the phone or leave the house.
Here are some things you could try:
Dosage For Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Adult dosage
You should take this drug in one dose per day. You should be on the lowest dose that works for you.
- Immediate-release oral tablets :
- The typical starting dose is 20 mg per day.
- If a 20-mg dose is not enough, your doctor will start increasing your dose each week by 10 mg per day.
- The recommended dose to treat generalized anxiety disorder is 2050 mg per day.
Child dosage
It hasnt been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than 18 years.
Senior dosage
- Immediate-release oral tablets :
- The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once per day.
- The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
Special dosage considerations
- Immediate-release oral tablets :
- The recommended starting dose is 10 mg per day.
- The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
For severe liver disease
- Immediate-release oral tablets :
- The recommended starting dose is 10 mg per day.
- The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
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Anxiety Can Be A Side Effect Of Taking Adderall
The ADAA notes that research shows that stimulant drugs like Adderall and non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate, pay attention, and control their impulsiveness.
However, because medications affect people differently, it is possible that a person taking Adderall can feel increased anxiety when they take the drug to treat their ADHD symptoms. If a person feels more anxiety, this could increase their forgetfulness or hurt their ability to focus. It could also impair their willingness to try new things, as clinical psychologist Ari Tuckman tells PsychCentral.
People who are anxious are less likely to try new things for fear of them not working outthis includes new strategies to help them get on top of their ADHD, Tuckman said.
As WebMD explains, ADHD drugs speed up the brain and alter how its nerve cells send messages to each other. As a result, mood disturbances can happen, including anxiety. This is especially the case if a person takes Adderall in high doses.
This means some Adderall users may feel more stress or fatigue or worry about things more. People who are anxious also feel uptight or on edge and have trouble falling or staying asleep. Other symptoms of anxiety include irritability, muscle tension, and struggling to control feelings of worry.
What Is Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden rush of strong fear or discomfort that is accompanied by a cluster of physical and cognitive symptoms, including heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and fears of dying, going crazy, or losing control.
Panic attacks are common among all anxiety disorders but what sets panic disorder apart is that panic attacks are unexpected and occur “out of the blue” without an obvious trigger . These unexpected panic attacks must be associated with a significant change in behavior or be followed by at least one month of persistent worry about having another attack or about what will happen if you have another panic attack.
Panic disorder is a disorder that many people experience – roughly 2-3% of people per year in the United States suffer from panic disorder .
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Common Anxiety Disorders And Their Symptoms
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Almost always expecting the worst even when theres very little reason to anticipate it. Constant excessive, worrisome thoughts, and stress about daily routine life activities and events, for at least 6 months.
Physical symptoms include muscle tension, trembling, fatigue, nausea or headache.
Tip: Anxiety bracelets and gemstones can help you with anxiety to calm and relieve stress fast.
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Panic Disorders
It is an intense fear that strikes repeatedly, and often without warning.
Physical symptoms include heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, feelings of unreality, abnormal distress and fear of dying.
Tip: Some panic attacks are silent ones.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
chronic symptoms that appear after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events such as natural or human-caused disasters, war, criminal assault, crashes or child abuse.
Physical symptoms include depression, nightmares, anger, flashbacks, irritable or distracted, numbing of emotions, and easily startled.
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Phobias or fears
Social phobia and specific phobia are the two main types of phobia.
People with a specific phobia have an intense, paralyzing irrational fear of something that presents little or no actual threat. That fear can put a limitation on their lives because they will try to avoid certain objects or situation.