{"id":630506,"date":"2024-11-19T13:00:06","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T18:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630506"},"modified":"2024-11-20T08:05:40","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T13:05:40","slug":"adderall-acne","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/adderall-acne\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Adderall cause acne?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adderall<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>amphetamine-dextroamphetamine<\/span><\/a>) is a prescription stimulant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains a mix of <\/span>central nervous system (CNS) stimulants<\/span><\/a> that improve alertness and attention by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike oral<\/span> corticosteroids<\/span><\/a> or some types of<\/span> birth control<\/span><\/a>, Adderall has not been directly linked to acne. However, there have been individual reports of acne developing in Adderall users, which might make you wonder: \u201cDoes Adderall cause acne?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you need to know about why someone might experience <\/span>Adderall<\/span><\/a> acne and what to do about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall acne: Why it happens<\/span><\/h2>\n

Acne is not a common <\/span>side effect of Adderall<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIndividuals on Adderall are much more likely to experience<\/span> insomnia<\/span><\/a> or decreased appetite than the clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples associated with acne,\u201d says<\/span> Sid Khurana, MD<\/span><\/a>, psychiatrist and cofounder of Nevada Mental Health in Las Vegas.<\/span><\/p>\n

While<\/span> Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City, agrees that there is \u201cno definitive proof\u201d linking Adderall to acne, he says he and other dermatologists frequently have patients report that their acne starts or worsened after starting Adderall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a few reasons why, and only some have to do with the medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some Adderall users are already prone to acne<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cThis phenomenon of \u2018Adderall acne\u2019 may be coincidental, as the age groups typically prescribed Adderall\u2014adolescents and young adults\u2014are already prone to acne,\u201d Dr. Akhavan says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There is an obvious overlap in the age group most likely to experience acne and the age group most likely to have a prescription for a stimulant such as Adderall. About 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne, according to the <\/span>American Academy of Dermatology Association<\/span><\/a> (AAD). An analysis of<\/span> stimulant dispensing trends<\/span><\/a> in the United States showed that 25% of adolescent males and 12% of adolescent females filled a stimulant prescription in 2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ultimately, it is possible that a teenager reporting more breakouts after starting Adderall might have experienced more breakouts even without the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall might indirectly trigger hormonal acne<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAnother theory is that Adderall can increase stress hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which is known to exacerbate acne in some individuals,\u201d Dr. Akhavan says. \u201cElevated cortisol levels can stimulate more oil production and inflammation in the skin, both common contributors to acne development.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

It could be a drug rash mistaken for acne<\/span><\/h3>\n

Acneiform eruptions<\/span><\/a> are rare but possible side effects of starting a new medication. They look like acne, but they often lack the specific, individual clogged pores or hair follicles present in acne breakouts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drug rashes<\/span><\/a> are essentially allergic reactions to a new medication. They vary in size and severity. Drug rashes are often itchy, and they sometimes include blisters or skin peeling. If you or someone in your care has just started Adderall for the first time and a new, itchy breakout develops suddenly, tell a healthcare professional immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to do about Adderall side effects like acne<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s good news: Individuals on Adderall who experience new or worsening skin issues have options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cIf a patient developed acne while using Adderall, my first suggestion would be trying mild topical acne treatments such as<\/span> salicylic acid<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> retinoids<\/span><\/a>, as well as ruling out other potential triggers for acne,\u201d Dr. Akhavan says. These OTC topical treatments can be safely used while taking Adderall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage adjustments\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

If topical acne treatments don\u2019t work and other acne triggers have been eliminated, Dr. Akhavan says it might be time to consider a dose adjustment. However, it\u2019s important never to change Adderall dosage without the guidance of your healthcare provider, who can help you come up with a plan for adjusting dosage while avoiding potential withdrawal symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall alternatives for ADHD<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dr. Khurana emphasizes that, although Adderall acne is unlikely, there\u2019s an easy solution if a patient thinks that\u2019s what they are experiencing: Switch to a different prescription ADHD medication.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall is not the only treatment for ADHD. \u201cNon-stimulant ADHD medication will not affect cortisol levels like Adderall does,\u201d Dr. Akhavan says. He suggests<\/span> atomoxetine<\/span><\/a>, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (<\/span>NRI<\/span><\/a>), as a potential non-stimulant alternative to ADHD. \u201cThere would be less concern about this medication potentially exacerbating acne,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Adderall alternatives<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Skincare tips while on Adderall<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adolescents and young adults on Adderall have a heightened risk of<\/span> acne<\/span><\/a> due to their age. The AAD offers the following <\/span>skin care tips<\/span><\/a> for acne-prone skin:<\/span><\/p>\n