Looking up Xanax vs Adderall likely means you or someone close to you has anxiety, or ADHD, or a combination of both. While these two medications are absolutely miles apart from each other, people tend to discuss them together. Some individuals are prescribed one medication while others take both, and the rest might be wondering what happens if they take Xanax and Adderall together. This article explains Adderall and Xanax. We aim to discuss their roles, how they differ from each other, and the risks involved in taking them simultaneously. We also aim to provide their onset time of action for treating ADHD symptoms.
Major Difference Between Xanax and Adderall
Like other medications, Adderall and Xanax have some differences that affect your treatment experience. Knowing these differences may help you choose the better option for your needs and help avoid other health risks. Let’s discuss the differences which are associated with the drugs. The differences are measured in terms of drug class, primary use, and onset time. First, to see the small comparison between the two medications.
Xanax Vs Adderall Comparison
Both Adderall and Xanax are prescription medications, but they serve very different purposes. Adderall is classified as a stimulant. Both narcolepsy and ADHD are frequently treated with it. Its impacts include increased attention span, mental focus, and energy levels. In contrast, Anxiety and panic disorders are treated with Xanax. It relaxes the nervous system and falls into the category of medications called benzodiazepines, also known as alprazolam. Therefore, when you are considering alprazolam vs Adderall, you are evaluating a sedative and a stimulant, opposite ends of the spectrum. After seeing the comparison, let’s start to discuss in differences.
Drug Class
The drug Xanax (Alprazolam) comes under the Benzodiazepine class, and works by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to calm the brain activity, and is also helpful for relieving anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, Adderall belongs to central nervous system stimulants. It works by enhancing the dopamine and norepinephrine levels. After increasing, it helps to improve focus, attention, and energy.
Primary Use
Generally, Adderall is prescribed for the effective treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. Similarly, Xanax is used in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and short-term relief of acute anxiety.
Onset Time
Comparing the onset time of action, it is concluded that Xanax acts faster than Adderall. So, many doctors frequently recommend Xanax pills for quick anxiety relief. Whereas Adderall takes quite longer but provides longer stimulation. Adderall IR form starts working within 30-60 minutes, and lasts up to 4-6 hours, whereas Adderall XR is effective within 60 to 90 minutes and provides relief up to 12 hours. The onset time of Xanax is within 15-30 minutes, and the duration is 4 to 6 hours.
Xanax vs Adderall Dosages
It must be under the supervision of a skilled health expert while you take any dose of Xanax and Adderall. Because they recommend a proper dose for you, though the dosages may vary from person to person based on their age, weight, and response to the treatment. Different dosages are discussed below.
Xanax Dosages
The dosages of Xanax may depend on the condition being treated, the patient’s response to the treatment, and any other concerns. It comes in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations.
- The immediate-release formulation of Xanax for the treatment of anxiety, a starting dose is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, three times a day. But it does not exceed more than 4 mg/day. For panic disorder, the dose is 0.5 mg prescribed three times a day, and it is not greater than 10 mg/day.
- In the case of extended-release formulation, the dose is 0.5-1 mg/day. This dose should not reach more than 10 mg/day.
Adderall Dosages
Like Xanax, Adderall also comes in two formulations: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR).
- The initial dose for adults to treat ADHD is 5 mg, once or twice a day. It is not increased more than 40 mg/day. For the XR capsule, the starting dose is 20 mg Adderall per day. The dose is adjusted by the doctor after examining the health condition of patients.
- For narcolepsy treatment, the initial dose is 10 mg/day, and it will be increased weekly for optimal response.
- In children (aged 3 to 5) with ADHD, the starting dose is 2.5 mg/day. In children (aged 6-12), the initial dose is 5 mg, once or twice a day.
- In adolescents (aged 13-17), the starting dose is 10 mg daily, but it is not increased more than 40 mg/day. In adults (aged 18+), the dose is 5-10 mg once/twice daily; it is increased up to 60 mg/day as directed by the physicians.
Side Effects: Xanax Vs Adderall
Both drugs are clinically proven for the safe treatment of anxiety and ADHD. But misuse or overdose may lead to some side effects, which are some mild, or other causes severe conditions that are not well-controlled. Understanding the following side effects will help you control the situation without agitation. Xanax and Adderall both affect the brain, but in opposite ways. That is- Adderall is a stimulant, and Xanax is a sedative. So, they show the side effects quite differently.
Side Effects of Xanax
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Memory issue
- Dry Mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Depression
Side Effects of Adderall
- High blood pressure/heart rate
- Weight loss
- Restleness
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Stomach pain
Which is Better for Anxiety: Xanax or Adderall?
It is clinically proven and FDA-approved that Xanax is the best choice for managing anxiety and panic attacks, but it is not recommended to use Adderall to treat anxiety. It enhances a calming brain chemical known as GABA to reduce the overactivity in the brain, and is considered a fast-acting, within 15 to 30 minutes. But it is remembered in mind that this drug shows a risk of dependence when used long-term.
While discussing Adderall, it is FDA-approved only for ADHD and narcolepsy treatment, but not for anxiety. Though this drug boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, it increases energy and focus. While used for anxiety, it may increase heart rate and nervousness, and also cause restlessness. So, Xanax is more preferable for Anxiety. For choosing the medicine for you, it should be done under the close supervision of a primary care provider. First, they check your present health condition and examine your past medical history, then they provide proper dosages which is suitable for your health and your needs.
Can You Take Xanax and Adderall Together?
In general, it is not recommended to take Xanax and Adderall together. Some people do take adderall alongside xanax with/without a doctor’s advice. These two drugs have opposing effects on the central nervous system, where Adderall acts as a stimulant and is prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. The second one is Xanax, which works as a depressant and is used to manage anxiety and panic disorder. While using them together, they show some risks and adverse side effects. Adderall speeds up the nervous system, while Xanax slows it down. This condition may confuse the body’s response and make it harder to manage either condition effectively.
Considering the side effects, both may increase heart strain, overdose, and confusion or disorientation. But yes, in some situations, many physicians prescribe both medications simultaneously for patients suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. Usually, first they try from lowest dose, then gradually increase after examining the patient’s health condition and absorption capacity. It should be fixed in your mind that all work should be done under the close supervision of a skilled health expert, but never done by your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which is more addictive: Adderall or Xanax?
The risk of developing dependence is high for both Adderall and Xanax, but in different ways: Generally, Xanax is considered more addictive for long-term use. As an example, Adderall can lead to a psychological dependency, mostly when used as an aid for sleep or work productivity. With Xanax, it is possible to develop a physical addiction even while using it as prescribed over a long period. Both medications require professional assistance if one intends to discontinue using them.
Is switching from Adderall to Xanax risky?
The transition from Xanax to Adderall or vice versa can only be done safely under medical supervision. These medications, Adderall and Xanax, have completely different mechanisms of action, so interchanging them without proper medical advice may pose significant risks, including withdrawal symptoms and other complications.
Hope, from this article, you gain a wide knowledge about both medications. It is not about who wins in the discussion of “xanax vs adderall,” rather, they both have heavy impacts when used properly and could bring about severe consequences when handled carelessly. If you’re already on both medications, make sure that your physician knows everything else you’re taking. If you’re thinking of using one to negate the impact of the other, wait and consult an expert first.