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  • Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is a benzodiazepine prescription drug used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. 

    Benzodiazepines like Xanax work on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system and prolong how long it stays in the brain causing a calming effect. 

    But while those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have issues with racing and anxious thoughts, Xanax shouldn’t be taken to ease them without the supervision of a doctor or mental health professional.

    That being said, people with ADHD may use and abuse Xanax to deal with their anxious and racing thoughts. This can lead to many negative side effects.

    Why Do People With ADHD Abuse Xanax?

    Those with ADHD might begin abusing Xanax because they’re trying to self-medicate or better manage their ADHD symptoms. They may even experiment with the dosage of Xanax to try and control their anxious thoughts or even crush and snort the tablets. 

    While people with ADHD can have an anxiety or panic disorder as well, Xanax isn’t often prescribed  because of it’s addictive qualities and due to how ADHD medications and Xanax can interact in dangerous ways.

    If the racing or anxious thoughts get to be too much and someone does abuse Xanax, the chance of physical dependence and addiction increases rapidly.

    How Xanax Affects Someone With ADHD

    Xanax is recommended to use for only short periods of time. This means that while it could be useful for people with anxiety disorders and ADHD, the drug stops having the ability to manage anxiety symptoms over time. When Xanax wears off, it can actually increase anxiety.

    Those with ADHD using Xanax for anxiety or racing thoughts would stop seeing results, but to simply stop taking it is easier said than done. Because Xanax is so addictive, the person abusing it may have trouble quitting the drug. 

    They may experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings if they try to abruptly stop use, which can include drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability. 

    Dangers Of Abusing Xanax & ADHD Medications

    Xanax and ADHD medications do not work well together. With one being a depressant and one a stimulant, they tend to clash and can cause dangerous side effects. 

    Some commonly prescribed medications for ADHD include:

    Mixing any of these ADHD medications with Xanax can cause two major dangers: an increased risk of addiction and a decreased effectiveness of both drugs. 

    Potential For Abuse

    Since most ADHD medications and Xanax are classified as controlled substances by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they have a high potential for abuse and physical dependence. And that’s if you take one or the other.  

    Using two controlled substances together makes the risk for abuse, addiction, and dependence even higher.

    When you try to stop taking a drug your body has a physical dependence on, your body may stop functioning properly. This makes it almost impossible to quit without help.

    Decreased Effectiveness

    As for the decreased effectiveness, because Xanax is a depressant and ADHD medications are stimulants, they’re working at cross purposes. 

    When taken together, Xanax will work less as a sedative and the ADHD medication will work less as a stimulant. You may end up being both more anxious or with more panic attacks and find it hard to concentrate.

    Treatment Options

    Talking to a doctor about how to deal with your ADHD symptoms and/or anxiety or panic disorder is the best way to deal with them. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy and prescribed medications can also help reduce ADHD and anxiety symptoms.

    If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to Xanax or an ADHD medication, call our helpline today to learn about our addiction treatment options.

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Sources

    Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) - Treatment for ADHD
    Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Adderall
    Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - Xanax
    National Library of Medicine - Screening for adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in high-dose benzodiazepine dependent patients

    Medically Reviewed by
    Kimberly Langdon M.D.
    on June 30, 2022
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