Does Adderall Cause Acne Breakouts?

What is Adderall®?

Adderall® is a brand name medication containing amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and a few trace salts. It is primarily used in the treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy (a disorder in which sudden sleep occurs). Adderall® (including Adderall XR ®) and its generic counterparts may vary in color and shape, depending on the manufacturer and the dosage.

Reports are Many

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Some users of Adderall® have reported the onset or increase of acne while using the medication. Entering the keywords “Adderall” and “acne” into an Internet search engine will produce a host of sources where individual users, and even some people claiming to be experts, claim that Adderall® can cause acne. An objective look at the medical data will provide an answer, as well as perhaps some explanations for those experiencing acne trouble while using Adderall®.

Go to the Experts' Source

The PDR lists side effects as either “common,” “rare,” or “extremely rare.” Side effects affecting 1 percent or more of the population using the medication are listed as “common,” while those side effects reported by less than 1 percent of the population are listed as “rare.” Where side effects are noted as “extremely rare,” only a few cases of the side effect have ever been reported and confirmed as having been caused by the medication.cause:

• The PDR lists side effects as either “common,” “rare,” or “extremely rare.” Side effects affecting 1 percent or more of the population using the medication are listed as “common,” while those side effects reported by less than 1 percent of the population are listed as “rare.” Where side effects are noted as “extremely rare,” only a few cases of the side effect have ever been reported
  
• confirmed as having been caused by the medication

Acne is Not Listed

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In the case of Adderall®, the PDR does not list acne under any category of side effect. This means that no verifiable cases of acne have been linked to the use of Adderall®. Then, why do many people seem to be reporting acne problems related to Adderall® use, if the PDR excludes it as a side effect? Several explanations are possible.

A Matter of Timing

Many children diagnosed with ADHD change medications during the course of their treatment several times before the onset of puberty. Some do not begin taking medication at all until entering the cusp of puberty. Of course, puberty brings its own hormonal changes which may result in the appearance or increase of acne.

Changes

Some people may begin the use of Adderall® at the beginning of a seasonal change, for instance, as spring gives way to summer. Acne may increase due to increased perspiration, more time outdoors and other pore-clogging factors. Though perspiration and dirt do not cause acne themselves, they can be cause for bacteria coming in contact with the skin as hands touch the face more. For athletes, if the introduction of Adderall® corresponds with the beginning of a sports season in school, increased perspiration, hormonal changes and other factors may be to blame for acne problems; or the end of a sports season may result in significantly decreased physical activity, which can cause:

• changes in circulation
  
• hormone production levels

Really, any number of factors unrelated to the use of Adderall® may be the culprit where acne issues arise.

Hydration is Important

One possible (and viable) explanation tangentially related to Adderall® use is that amphetamines—which comprise Adderall®—are a diuretic. Diuretics cause increased urination and removal of water from the body. In some cases, where people already tend toward insufficient hydration, the diuretic effect of Adderall® may cause true dehydration. Hydration is an important factor in allowing the body to “self-clean." Thus, dehydration secondary to Adderall® use, in addition to resulting in other symptoms such as dry mouth or constipation, may lead to an increase in acne. To be sure this does not happen, be purposeful about staying hydrated. As a rule, drink sufficient hydrating liquids until urine is no longer yellow, but remains clear.

It Could Be Something Else

More likely, users of Adderall® who report acne problems may be mistaking some other condition for acne. The PDR does list urticaria (“hives”), rash and angioedema (“hives” that affect deeper layers of the epidermis) as possible side effects of Adderall®. All of these conditions involve redness, swelling and irritation—even deep irritation which may appear cystic in nature, in the case of angioedema. A visit to the prescribing doctor or a dermatologist may reveal that one of these skin conditions is, in fact, present and not acne at all.

Get Help if You Need It

Though Adderall® may not be the cause, acne can be disruptive, both physically and emotionally. If you have concerns about your acne, modern treatment options are effective and numerous. See your primary care physician or a dermatologist to learn more about options, remedies and practical strategies for reducing or eliminating acne.