Key takeaways

  • Adderall is a stimulant medication, while Xanax is part of the benzodiazepine drug class. These drug work in different ways, Adderall helps you stay alert while Xanax can help you feel more relaxed.
  • Taking these drugs together may be safe, as there are no drug interactions between them, but your doctor will make the recommendation on whether it is safe specifically for you.

While Adderall and Xanax do not interact with each other, combining Adderall and Xanax is generally not recommended unless specifically directed and monitored by your doctor.

Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can help you pay attention, stay alert, and concentrate. It can also help you avoid impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.

Xanax, on the other hand, is a drug called a benzodiazepine. It’s used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Xanax can make you feel calmer, more relaxed, and even drowsy.

Because these medications have opposing effects on the central nervous system, mixing them can mask symptoms of toxicity or lead to unpredictable physical strain. Understanding the risks is essential for maintaining your safety while managing ADHD or anxiety.

Note: Adderall and Xanax have boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings” section.

Adderall is a stimulant designed to increase alertness, while Xanax is a benzodiazepine used to promote relaxation. When taken together, they create a “tug-of-war” effect on your body.

Key risks include:

  • Masked Effects: One drug may hide the side effects of the other, making it difficult to tell if you have taken too much of either substance.
  • Heart Strain: The conflicting signals to speed up and slow down can put significant stress on the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to irregular heart rhythms.
  • Reduced Efficacy: Xanax may dull the therapeutic benefits of Adderall for ADHD, while Adderall may increase anxiety levels, counteracting the purpose of Xanax.
  • Increased risk of addiction: Both Adderall and Xanax are controlled substances that have boxed warnings about the risk of addiction. (See the “Boxed warnings” section for details.) Taking these medications together increases that risk.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Adderall and Xanax.

Even if taken as prescribed, the combination of Adderall and Xana can cause a range of physical and mental side effects. Examples include:

• Dizziness or confusion
• Drowsiness or impaired motor coordination
• Rapid heartbeat
• Increased blood pressure

In severe cases, mixing these medications can lead to respiratory distress or a higher risk of substance use disorder.

If you have been prescribed both medications by different doctors, or if you are considering taking them together to manage symptoms of the other, talk with your doctor. They can help you adjust your dosage or find safer alternatives to manage your symptoms.

If you are experiencing chest pain, extreme shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness after taking these medications, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Q:

What should I do if Adderall is making me anxious?

Anonymous patient

A:

Talk with your doctor. They may have some solutions that don’t involve taking a medication to help you relax. For instance, they may suggest switching you from Adderall, a stimulant, to a nonstimulant ADHD drug, such as Strattera (atomoxetine). Nonstimulants typically don’t cause anxiety. As a result, you may no longer feel the need for a drug like Xanax.

The Healthline Medical TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Both Adderall and Xanax have boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Xanax has the following boxed warnings:

  • Risk of misuse and addiction: Xanax has a risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken for a purpose or in a way that’s not been prescribed by a doctor. Misuse can lead to addiction, which is when you’re unable to stop taking a drug, even though it may be causing harm.
  • Risk of dependence and withdrawal: Xanax has a risk of dependence and withdrawal. With dependence, your body becomes reliant on a drug to function as usual. Dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking Xanax. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on
  • Risk of severe harm or death if taken with opioids: Taking Xanax with an opioid may cause severe side effects, such as excessive sleepiness, breathing problems, coma, and in rare cases, death.

Adderall has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. Misusing Adderall can cause serious side effects or overdose, which can be life threatening or fatal.

Adderall and Xanax do not interact with each other. But, if they are taken together there are certain risks to consider. For example, they can mask the effects of the other drug as well as reduce its efficacy.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about Adderall and Xanax. They can recommend whether it is safe for you to take these drugs together or not.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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