Can Adderall Cause Anxiety? What You Need to Know
By the clinical team at Next Step Psychiatry • Lilburn, GA
Adderall is one of the most widely prescribed medications for ADHD, and for good reason—it helps millions of people focus, stay organized, and function better in daily life. But some patients notice an unwelcome side effect: anxiety. A racing mind, rapid heartbeat, a vague sense of dread. If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining it, and you don't have to put up with it.
How Adderall Works
Adderall is a prescription stimulant containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It works by increasing levels of key neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—in the brain. For people with ADHD, who typically have lower baseline levels of these chemicals, Adderall helps restore balance and improve focus, impulse control, and motivation.
Why Adderall Can Trigger Anxiety
Because Adderall stimulates the central nervous system, it can also increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. For some people, these physical changes mimic—or directly trigger—anxiety symptoms. You might feel jittery, on edge, or experience a “crash” as the medication wears off in the afternoon, bringing waves of worry, low mood, or overwhelm.
It's also worth noting that ADHD and anxiety frequently co-occur. Some patients discover that what they thought was Adderall-induced anxiety was actually an underlying anxiety disorder that became more noticeable once ADHD symptoms were managed. This is exactly why expert medication management matters.
What You Can Do About It
- Talk to your prescriber immediately. Dosage adjustments or switching to a different ADHD medication can often eliminate the anxiety side effect entirely.
- Monitor your caffeine intake. Here in Georgia, sweet tea and coffee are practically food groups—but combining stimulants can amplify anxiety symptoms.
- Keep a symptom journal. Note when anxiety peaks relative to your medication schedule so your provider can spot patterns.
- Prioritize sleep and exercise. Both are powerful anxiety reducers that complement medication management.
- Never adjust your dose on your own. Stopping or changing Adderall without medical guidance can worsen symptoms.
Expert ADHD & Anxiety Care in Lilburn, GA
At Next Step Psychiatry, Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C specialize in medication management for ADHD, anxiety, and the complex overlap between the two. We take the time to get your medication right—because you deserve symptom relief without trading one problem for another. Our Lilburn office serves patients throughout Gwinnett County, Snellville, Tucker, and the greater Atlanta area.
Call 678-437-1659 to schedule your appointment today.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.