ADHD Medication, Anxiety, and Sensitivity: Finding What Works for You

If you have ADHD and anxiety, you’ve probably had a bumpy ride with medication. A lot of medical professionals prescribe stimulant ADHD medications at high doses right off the bat. And for those of us with anxiety, a sensitive nervous system, or just general sensitivity to substances, these high doses can feel like getting hit by a truck. You might find yourself feeling jittery, panicked, unable to focus, and with skyrocketed anxiety.

This can make people swear off ADHD medication altogether, thinking it’s not for them. While it’s certainly not for everyone, ADHD medication can be life-changing when dosed properly. If you understand the connection between ADHD, anxiety, and ADHD medication, you can find the best treatment for your body and brain.

How Does ADHD Medication Work?

ADHD medication works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain – two neurotransmitters that play a big role in motivation, attention, and emotional regulation. There are two main types of ADHD medication:

• Stimulants: These are the most commonly prescribed, and include meds like Adderall (amphetamine salts), Ritalin, and Vyvanse. They work by increasing dopamine availability, which can improve focus, impulse control, and motivation. However, they can also rev up anxiety if the dosage is too high.
• Non-Stimulants: These include medications like klonodine, guanfacine, and even off-label usage of medications like Wellbutrin. They target norepinephrine or other neurotransmitters and tend to have a smoother effect, but they don’t always work as dramatically as stimulants.

For people struggling with depression or anxiety in addition to ADHD, multiple medications may be prescribed together. The dual impacts of on dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain can improve both mood and ADHD symptoms for some people.

The Best ADHD Medication for Adults with Anxiety

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best ADHD medication is the one that actually works for you. But something people don’t talk about enough is that dosage matters just as much as the type of medication.

Stimulants can be amazing for focus and making life feel less overwhelming. They help some people significantly in everyday life, and other people may notice only a slight (but still helpful) shift in executive functioning. For some folks, they may not help at all. Regardless, if you take too much, they can push your nervous system into overdrive, making you feel dysregulated, anxious, and emotionally volatile. This is why people with anxiety or sensitive nervous systems often benefit from starting with lower doses than what’s typically prescribed.

ADHD Medication Dosage: Why Less is More

Reminder: I’m not a medical doctor, and can’t give you medication advice. The following is just information I’ve gathered from experience being an ADHD therapist and coach. 

If you’re starting ADHD medication, especially stimulants, it may be best to begin with the lowest possible dose, ideally in the first half of the day. This gives you a chance to see how your body reacts without throwing your nervous system into chaos.

Taking too much ADHD medication can feel like:

• Increased heart rate and jitteriness
• Heightened anxiety or panic
• Mood swings or irritability
• Restlessness, like you just can’t settle or sit still
• Feeling tweaked out instead of focused

If you start low and either stay there if it’s effective or work up in small increments if not, you’ll have a much better chance of finding your sweet spot. 

Dos and Don’ts of ADHD Medication

DO:

✅ Stay at the lowest dose that feels helpful. Don’t increase your dosage just for the sake of increasing it. For most people, less is more when it comes to stimulants.

✅ If you do increase, increase gradually and only after you understand how it affects you.

✅ Pay attention to changes in mood, irritability, or anxiety when beginning any new medication and when increasing dosage.

✅ Take medication breaks. Stimulants lose effectiveness with daily use, so skipping doses when external structure is in place (like on weekends or lighter workdays) can help maintain their impact.

DON’T:

❌ Take more than once a day at first. Give your body time to adjust. 

❌ Use caffeine with stimulants. Seriously, even a little bit can make the medication feel way too intense.

❌Take ADHD medication on days you’re feeling extra anxious at baseline.

FAQs About ADHD Medication and Dosage

Is ADHD medication worth it?

It depends on the person, but when dosed properly, ADHD medication can be incredibly helpful for everyday life, including improving motivation, focus, and mood. The key is starting low and finding the right balance.

Does ADHD medication work?

Yes, but the right dosage is crucial. Too much can make things worse. Too little might not do much. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.

How do stimulants work?

Stimulants increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps with focus, motivation, and impulse control. But they can also ramp up anxiety and dysregulation if dosed too high.

Why do stimulants calm ADHD?

Because ADHD brains naturally have lower dopamine levels. Stimulants bring those levels up, making it easier to focus and feel balanced. When the dosage is right, they help regulate the nervous system rather than overstimulating it.

Finding Your Balance

ADHD medication isn’t a magic fix, but it can be an incredible tool when used properly. If you’ve struggled with anxiety or sensitivity to medication in the past, don’t write it off completely—just start low, go slow, and listen to your body.

Finding the best ADHD medication for adults with anxiety is all about balance. And at the end of the day, the goal isn’t to medicate yourself into feeling like a different person. It’s to help your brain work with you, not against you. 

Want support navigating medication and ADHD? I work with millennials with anxiety and ADHD to find more balance in life and navigate neurodivergence in ways that work for them. Learn more about my therapy services (including EMDR and talk therapy) if you’re located in Idaho, Iowa, or South Carolina. For all other locations, check out my coaching services.

Reach out today to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation and see if we’re a good fit. Let’s start building a better future together.