[Michael1337]

Good evening,

Hi everyone, a quick introduction: my name is Michael and I've dealt with anxiety over the last couple of years. I see a wonderful psychiatrist who I have a wonderful relationship with.

Recently, I've been looking into "alternative" anxiety treatments - such as medications that aren't things like SSRI's or benzos, which I have a lot of experience with. One of the most intriguing things I found was that some people find using stimulants, typically used to treat ADHD, have helped some people with anxiety.
Please be open minded about this, I know it sounds dumb (a stimulant? Helping ANXIETY?) - but everyone's body and condition is different.

What I am looking for is primarily any scholarly sources or journal articles/studies that discuss the use of stimulants to treat anxiety (whether the results were positive or negative). I have access to many medical journals, so if it is a medical journal or I have to pay to read the complete text, that is fine.

I'd also be interested in hearing anyone's personal experiences on the subject - good or bad, the more info, the better. I truly appreciate it and plan on sticking around the forum for awhile.

All the best to you all,

Mike

[Hellion]

I just don't see how stimulants could help anxiety, since a lot of the effects of them are things people can also get with anxiety so it makes most sense that stimulants would intensify some of the anxiety symptoms....but of course then there are weird things like i guess a lot of people with ADHD find caffeinated coffee to make them tired or not stimulated....so you never know.

But for most I don't see stimulants doing much to help anxiety per say. Have you had any stimulants? and if so how do they seem to effect you? Also though a lot of SSRIs do have stimulating properties, that has been my trouble with a lot they just increase my anxiety and don't do much for the depression at all.

[ChipperMonkey]

I'm confused. If you have access to all these journals, why are you asking us to do your research for you? It seems a bit rude, that's all, given that you've already stated that you have access to these journals. One would think that given your position, that you'd be willing to invest a few hours of time into researching these journals that you have access to.

[-jimi-]

As far as own experience is that I usually find ritalin (diagnosed with ADD) calming but at times it's more like a bad caffeine buzz. But usually I actually have less anxiety on it than off it.

[Mustkeepjob32]

I think he just meant if someone knew of an article to direct him to. I didn't see any rudeness at all related to the OP post.

[Disorder7]

He wan't being rude. He just thought it would be an interesting topic. Sheesh.

[Nightside of Eden]

Stimulants help focus the mind, even in people without ADD/ADHD, so it's logical that they could help with anxiety by allowing someone to concentrate on a single task and drown out the racing thoughts and distractions of anxiety. I'm not aware of any scientific studies being done on this, though.

[Odee]

Wellbutrin is a stimulating AD not of the SSRI variety. It did not help me with anxiety but it did help with focus. I don't believe it should be used as a directed treatment for anxiety but the point is that you wanted to 'try' your options just in case. Wellbutrin takes time and is not (as) abusable as stimulants such as ritalin, so you'll likely have a much greater chance of convincing a doctor/psychiatrist to let you give it a run.