Does ADHD Medication Help With Anxiety — or Make It Worse?

Short answer: Sometimes. Anxiety often comes with ADHD, and the Australian ADHD Guideline notes that anxiety may be a consequence of undiagnosed or untreated ADHD¹ — so treating the ADHD can be part of treating the anxiety. But ADHD medicines aren’t anxiety treatments, and stimulant medicines can increase anxiety in some people.² Which applies to you is something to work out with your doctor.

Why ADHD and anxiety go together

Anxiety commonly occurs alongside ADHD. Some of it is a separate condition; some of it grows out of years of missed deadlines, forgotten commitments and always feeling one step behind. That’s why the Australian ADHD Guideline notes that anxiety and depressive disorders may be a consequence of ADHD that hasn’t been diagnosed or treated.¹

The two can also look alike. Restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability and poor sleep can come from either, which is one reason an ADHD assessment screens for other conditions before a diagnosis is made.

How treating ADHD can help

If anxiety is a consequence of unmanaged ADHD, addressing the ADHD is part of addressing the anxiety. The guideline says that people with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders should be offered the same medication choices as anyone else with ADHD.¹

When ADHD medication can make anxiety worse

Increased anxiety and irritability are among the most common side effects of stimulant medicines, along with reduced appetite and trouble sleeping.² That’s why the guideline recommends monitoring for increased anxiety and worsening mood during treatment.¹

If anxiety increases, there are options — adjusting the dose or timing, changing to a different form of the medicine, or trying a non-stimulant medicine, which the guideline recommends where stimulants aren’t tolerated or aren’t suitable.¹

Treating both

Medication is one part of the picture. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, which the guideline recommends for adults with ADHD,¹ is also a mainstay of treatment for anxiety, so it can help with both. See how to manage ADHD without medication.

Don’t stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor, and tell them if your anxiety changes after starting or adjusting treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Does ADHD medication help with anxiety?

It can, when anxiety is driven by untreated ADHD — the Australian ADHD Guideline notes anxiety may be a consequence of undiagnosed or untreated ADHD. But ADHD medicines aren’t anxiety treatments, and stimulant medicines can increase anxiety in some people.

Can ADHD medication make anxiety worse?

Yes, for some people. Increased anxiety and irritability are among the common side effects of stimulant medicines, which is why anxiety is monitored during treatment and the dose or medicine can be changed.

Can I take ADHD medication if I have anxiety?

Often, yes. The Australian ADHD Guideline says people with ADHD who also have anxiety disorders should be offered the same medication choices, and doctors monitor for increased anxiety during treatment.

Is it ADHD or anxiety?

They can look alike — restlessness, trouble concentrating, irritability and poor sleep — and they often occur together. A proper assessment considers both.

Next steps

Read ADHD medication in Australia and ADHD burnout vs depression, or start with the free ADHD self-assessment.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor. ADHD GP is a private telehealth clinic staffed by AHPRA-registered Australian GPs.

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References

1. Australian ADHD Professionals Association. Australian ADHD Guideline — summary of recommendations. 2022. adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au — Recommends stimulants as first-line medication for adults with impairing ADHD and non-stimulants where stimulants are unsuitable; dose titration with monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, weight, sleep, mood and anxiety; cognitive-behavioural interventions, coaching and lifestyle guidance; notes anxiety, depression and substance use may follow untreated ADHD.
2. healthdirect (Australian Government). ADHD medicines — children and adults. 2025. www.healthdirect.gov.au — Stimulants adjust dopamine and noradrenaline; short-acting forms work soon after a dose and long-acting forms last longer; common side effects include reduced appetite, weight loss, anxiety, irritability and insomnia, and stimulants can raise blood pressure; prescribing is tightly controlled and there is a risk of dependence if not taken as prescribed.

Sources were last checked on 5 October 2026. See all sources used on this site on our Sources page.