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Can taking Adderall, Ritalin or Concerta cause acne?

Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. Ritalin and Concerta are similar to Adderall. Adderall contains two prescription stimulants: amphetamine and a member of the same chemical family called dextroamphetamine. Ritalin and Concerta contain another stimulant called methylphenidate.

What is Adderall made of?

Adderall is made up of a chemical mixture of amphetamine as well as dextroamphetamine. Millions of people use it in the US for the treatment of ADHD.

How does Adderall work?

Adderall may help people with ADHD control their activities and increase their attention spans. It works by increasing the brain dopamine levels, leading to a calming and focusing effect on people with ADHD. Because Adderall increases dopamine levels, it can trigger a feeling of euphoria and increase alertness and attention, leading to an abuse of the medication. Although the drug does not enhance thinking ability in people who do not have ADHD, these types of “smart pills” are used by an increasing number of college students to increase their performance.

Does Adderall cause acne?

The answer is ... well, it's not exactly clear. However, it is known that both amphetamine and stress can sometimes trigger or exacerbate acne. Having said that, Adderall is used mostly by teens and young adults, a population of people who are more prone to acne in general.

Conclusion:

The acne in people who take Adderall is more related to stress than the medication itself. That said, if you notice a significant worsening of breakouts while taking Adderall, you may want to advise your prescribing physician to consider an alternative drug or different therapy.

BTW: Taking supplements rich in Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) can help with both stress and acne. Check out this link for more info.

To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.

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