Adderall has been linked to skin problems such as rashes, hives, and acne breakouts. Rashes and hives are usually the result of allergic reactions to the medication. But what’s behind the breakouts? Can Adderall cause acne?
Jump to Section
Can Adderall Cause Acne?
Adderall is the brand name of a prescription medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both of these ingredients are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Adderall to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
One reason why the question, can Adderall cause acne?, attracts such widespread interest is that this drug remains extremely popular.
According to a 2023 report that was prepared for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. pharmacies distributed more than 44.6 million prescriptions for Adderall or its generic version in 2022. But people in the U.S. don’t limit Adderall use to those who take it on a prescription basis to treat legitimate health concerns.
Many people, primarily college students and younger professionals, also illicitly use Adderall as a “study drug” due to its ability to boost energy, improve memory, and enhance focus.
Adderall and Acne
Many people who use Adderall have experienced acne breakouts during the period they were taking the drug. As statisticians frequently remind us, though, correlation does not equal causation. In other words, just because two things occur at the same time – such as Adderall use and acne breakouts – that doesn’t prove that one caused the other.
So, turning our attention back to the question at the top of this post, can Adderall cause acne?
Researchers have not established a direct cause-effect relationship between using Adderall and developing acne. This means that the answer to, can Adderall make you break out?, is no, it doesn’t appear to be a cause of acne.
If Adderall can’t cause acne, why do so many people who use it have acne breakouts?
Experts believe that the acne isn’t directly due to Adderall itself, but is instead attributable to various lifestyle influences that are common among people who take the medication. This may be especially true for those who are using Adderall as an illicit study drug.
The influences that may be responsible for acne breakouts among people who are taking Adderall include:
- Stress: If you’re using Adderall to cram for an exam or work long hours on a project, you’re probably dealing with a substantial amount of stress. And stress is a known risk factor for acne breakouts
- Poor nutrition: All-night study or work sessions aren’t usually associated with healthy eating habits. If you’ve been subsisting on soda, fast food, and snacks, your body may be lacking vital nutrients. This can also increase your risk of acne.
- Insufficient self-care: Not getting enough sleep, allowing yourself to become dehydrated, and failing to practice proper hygiene habits are among the many self-care shortcomings that can contribute to acne breakouts.
- Hormones: Acne is far from uncommon among adolescents and teens. For some Adderall users, acne breakouts may have more to do with how their body is changing and less to do with the medication.
This isn’t meant to imply that there’s no connection whatsoever between Adderall and acne. Though the drug doesn’t seem to be direct cause of acne breakouts, it can exacerbate many of the risk factors listed above.
Additional Physical Side Effects of Adderall
In addition to wondering if Adderall can cause acne, it’s also common to ask if taking this medication can contribute to other adverse physical effects.
Adderall use has been linked with a variety of physical side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Diminished appetite and resultant weight loss
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Numbness in fingers and toes
- Disrupted sleep patterns
Focusing specifically on the skin, Adderall has caused some people to develop rashes, hives, and itchiness. Others have experienced swelling below the skin near their lips and eyelids.
People who use Adderall may also be at risk of psychological side effects such as:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Panic
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Suicidal thoughts
If you experience these or any other adverse effects while taking Adderall, you should consult with the physician who prescribed the medication to you. Depending on the nature and severity of the effects, your physician may alter your dosage level or switch you to a different medication.
Also, if you ever struggle with suicidal ideation for any reason, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can access this free resource by calling or texting 988 (U.S. only), or by visiting https://988lifeline.org/.
Trained professionals staff the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They will talk to you about the challenges you’ve been experiencing and, if necessary, connect you with appropriate services in your area.
Is There Treatment for Skin Problems Caused by Adderall?
There are a variety of treatments for Adderall-related skin problems. If an allergic reaction is causing them – often the case if hives or a rash appear – stopping your Adderall use will likely resolve them.
In cases such as acne breakouts that may have been intensified by Adderall, treatment may involve changing to a different medication. It could also include adopting certain skincare regimens and modifying the lifestyle factors mentioned earlier in this post.
If you have been taking Adderall that was legally prescribed to you, you should talk to your doctor before you stop using the medication. They can set up a plan to gradually reduce your Adderall use, so you don’t develop any distressing withdrawal symptoms.
If you have been using Adderall without a prescription and cannot stop using it on your own, you may have developed an addiction. In that case, professional treatment may be necessary. It can help you get through withdrawal and teach you how to resist future urges to use the drug again.
Contact Phoenix Rising Recovery if Adderall Addiction has Become a Problem
Phoenix Rising Recovery offers a variety of customizable services. These services are designed to help adults who have become addicted to Adderall and other prescription drugs.
Treatment options at our drug rehab center in Palm Springs, California, include detox, residential care, and multiple outpatient programs. We also offer specialized services for first responders and military veterans.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 1/24/2025
Related Posts
