October 15, 2021

What Is Adderall Paranoia?

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While Adderall is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, it can occasionally cause paranoia in some individuals. This is caused by Adderall increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia. Adderall can also cause insomnia, which can also contribute to those feelings. 

The risk of experiencing paranoia while taking Adderall may be higher in individuals who have a history of anxiety or paranoia. People who are taking high doses of Adderall or who are using it recreationally may also be at higher risk for experiencing paranoia.

If you are taking Adderall and are experiencing paranoia or anxiety, it is important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that is better suited to your needs.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING ADDERALL PARANOIA

If you are taking Adderall and are experiencing paranoia or other side effects, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Paranoia can be a serious condition that can affect your ability to function and can lead to other mental health problems if left untreated.

While Adderall can be an effective treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy, it can also cause paranoia in some people. If you are taking Adderall and are experiencing paranoia or other side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor and seek medical attention right away. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage the side effects of Adderall and live a healthy, productive life.

If you find yourself experiencing paranoid tendencies while taking Adderall, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about it. The doctor might be able to adjust your dosage, or change your medication to one that is better suited to your needs.

In addition, using relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation, getting more exercise or spending time outdoors, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine can aid in reducing any feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Getting medical attention right away is important though, as untreated paranoia can sometimes lead to other mental health problems and become debilitating.

WHAT IS PARANOIA?

Paranoia is a potential symptom of stimulant abuse; mental health disorders, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; personality disorders, like borderline and paranoid personality disorders; and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When your brain’s chemicals are affected by Adderall abuse or misuse, you can develop symptoms of paranoia that are similar to mental health and personality disorders.

While Adderall can effectively treat narcolepsy and ADHD when taken as prescribed, taking too much can create intense feelings of anxiety and fear. When your central nervous system is overly active, your body believes that you are in a “life or death” situation. Your body activates what is known as the “flight or fight” response, which causes you to either run from or fight a potential threat.

When you take stimulants and artificially activate the flight or fight response, your brain believes that a real threat exists, even when there isn’t one. When your body experiences the same reaction as if your life is in danger, your brain starts to believe you are in danger and fills in the gap with stories to justify these feelings.

Since your brain and body’s response to stimulants is real, these stories feel real to you, and you might believe that others are conspiring against you. You might think that loved ones are trying to harm you or that strangers are after you. Since you feel hypervigilant from overusing Adderall, you start to believe that nearly everyone might pose a threat to you.

TREATING ADDERALL PARANOIA

One of the biggest challenges of treating Adderall paranoia is that you might have trouble trusting those trying to help you. If your loved ones are concerned about your Adderall use, you might believe that they are lying to you or conspiring to get you locked away in a facility. Often, the symptoms of paranoia can be a barrier to treating paranoia itself.

Fortunately, unlike paranoia caused by mental health disorders like schizophrenia, Adderall paranoia can wear off as the stimulants leave your body during detox. If you stop taking Adderall, your paranoia can feel less severe; however, you might experience withdrawal symptoms during detox.

Detoxing is the first step to recovering from Adderall abuse. If you are concerned about Adderall paranoia or notice these symptoms in a loved one, speak to your prescribing physician about these issues. They might recommend going to a medical detox center to treat symptoms of Adderall paranoia and the withdrawal symptoms of detox. 

Your primary care physician can also discuss alternative treatments for your ADHD or narcolepsy if you struggle to take Adderall as prescribed due to the addictive nature of the medication.

TREATING ADDERALL PARANOIA IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Abusing prescription stimulants like Adderall can lead to paranoia and other unpleasant side effects. It is important to only take Adderall as prescribed and to avoid taking more than the recommended dose or using it for non-medical purposes. Abusing Adderall can also lead to addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and long-term changes in the brain that can have serious consequences for your mental and physical health.

Located near Newport Beach and Long Beach in Southern California, Gratitude Lodge is the perfect place to detox from Adderall and other abused prescription drugs. Start your journey to health and wellness with us. Call 800-994-2184 for more info.

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Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.
Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.

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