Can Dosage Of Adderall Be Increased To Manage Adult ADHD And Anxiety?

Posted on Wed, 6 Jun 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 6 Jun 2018 Answered on

Tue, 6 Apr 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I am prescribed 20mg , taken daily, Adderall for adult adhd and have been for years. I also occassionally get anxiety and am prescribed 1-2 mg Ativan to take as needed. Lately I feel significantly less focused and have a hard time concentrating and staying organized at work. Would it make sent to ask for an increased dosage of the adderall? My primary concern is that I realize the stimulation from adderall can contribute anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes Adderall can contribute to anxiety

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I can understand your concern. Yes high doses of Adderall could lead to anxiety exacerbation. But the drug is known to result in tolerance so after regular use higher doses are needed in order to get desired results. So yes you can ask your doctor to increase dose of Adderall. This should help in improving your focus and concentration. Slight increase will not worsen the anxiety.

Ativan if used regularly can result in reduced focus. But use when needed, doesn't result in much side effects.

Thanks. Take care

Please let me know if you need more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad