Ask the Experts

Controlling Anxiety

“I become very anxious as my long-acting stimulant wears off. Should I be taking a higher dose? What do you think is going on here?”

The anxiety might be a rebound effect, which sometimes happens as medication wears off, or it might be your reaction to the return of your symptoms (especially if it wears off during class, work, or at another inconvenient time).

You may want to discuss a dose increase with your doctor. See if this lasts longer and doesn’t cause anxiety. One other caution: If you have an anxiety disorder, the stimulant could be exacerbating this. If so, this condition must be treated in addition to ADHD.