If you’ve got ADHD and you also deal with anxiety, you’re not alone
A lot of people do and it’s complicated
So let’s answer a question that comes up all the time
Can ADHD meds help with anxiety?
Short version It depends
Let’s break it down
ADHD and Anxiety Often Show Up Together
First things first
ADHD and anxiety are different conditions
But they like to show up at the same time
Some people have both
Others have anxiety because of their ADHD
Like constantly being late, forgetting things, or feeling overwhelmed by tasks
That’s called secondary anxiety and it’s super common
What ADHD Meds Are Supposed to Do
ADHD meds like Adderall Ritalin Vyvanse and Concerta are stimulants
They’re designed to improve focus attention and impulse control
They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain
When they work well
You’re more focused
You’re less scattered
You feel more in control
And sometimes that reduces anxiety
Especially if your stress is coming from your ADHD symptoms
So Can They Help with Anxiety
Yes but only in specific situations
ADHD meds might help with anxiety if
Your anxiety is caused by being overwhelmed or disorganized
You’re stressed because of task paralysis or poor time management
You’re constantly anxious about forgetting things or missing deadlines
When ADHD symptoms improve
Some people feel calmer more capable and less anxious overall
But Sometimes They Make Anxiety Worse
This is the part that gets tricky
Stimulants can also increase physical symptoms of anxiety
like
racing heart
restlessness
jitteriness
sleep problems
emotional crashes
So if you already have generalized anxiety disorder panic attacks or social anxiety
stimulant meds might make those worse
Or at least not help much
What About Non Stimulant Options
There are ADHD meds that are not stimulants
Like Strattera or guanfacine
These sometimes work better for people who have both ADHD and anxiety
They’re slower acting but don’t usually increase anxiety
And sometimes doctors treat both with a combo
Like a stimulant for ADHD and an SSRI or SNRI for anxiety
What to Talk to Your Doctor About
If you’re thinking about ADHD meds and you also struggle with anxiety
tell your provider
They can
figure out what kind of anxiety you’re dealing with
watch for side effects
adjust your dosage
try alternatives if needed
Never feel like you have to figure this out alone
Medication is never one size fits all
What works for one person might not work for another
The Bottom Line
ADHD meds can help with anxiety if your anxiety is rooted in ADHD symptoms like overwhelm or disorganization
But if you have separate anxiety issues
stimulants might not help
and could even make it worse
This is where working with the right doctor matters
The goal isn’t just to be productive
It’s to feel better and more in control of your life
