Does Adderall cause acne?

In this article:

• Adderall acne: Why it happens
• What to do about Adderall side effects like acne
• Adderall alternatives for ADHD
• Skincare tips while on Adderall

In this article

• Adderall acne: Why it happens
• What to do about Adderall side effects like acne
• Adderall alternatives for ADHD
• Skincare tips while on Adderall

Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) 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 central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that improve alertness and attention by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels. 

Unlike oral corticosteroids or some types of birth control, 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: “Does Adderall cause acne?” 

Here’s what you need to know about why someone might experience Adderall acne and what to do about it.

Adderall acne: Why it happens

Acne is not a common side effect of Adderall. “Individuals on Adderall are much more likely to experience insomnia or decreased appetite than the clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples associated with acne,” says Sid Khurana, MD, psychiatrist and cofounder of Nevada Mental Health in Las Vegas.

While Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City, agrees that there is “no definitive proof” linking Adderall to acne, he says he and other dermatologists frequently have patients report that their acne starts or worsened after starting Adderall. 

There are a few reasons why, and only some have to do with the medications.

Some Adderall users are already prone to acne

“This phenomenon of ‘Adderall acne’ may be coincidental, as the age groups typically prescribed Adderall—adolescents and young adults—are already prone to acne,” Dr. Arkhavan says. 

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 American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). An analysis of stimulant dispensing trends in the United States showed that 25% of adolescent males and 12% of adolescent females filled a stimulant prescription in 2019. 

Ultimately, it is possible that a teenager reporting more breakouts after starting Adderall might have experienced more breakouts even without the medication. 

Adderall might indirectly trigger hormonal acne

“Another theory is that Adderall can increase stress hormone levels, particularly cortisol, which is known to exacerbate acne in some individuals,” Dr. Arkhavan says. “Elevated cortisol levels can stimulate more oil production and inflammation in the skin, both common contributors to acne development.”

Adderall-related sleep problems might exacerbate acne

Adderall is a stimulant. As such, Adderall affects a person’s ability to fall and stay asleep. Though there is no evidence that sleep problems cause acne, research suggests that there is a link between sleep quality and skin health.

One small study of 219 women found that going to bed late—in this case, after 11 p.m.—was linked to decreased skin hydration and increased sebum production, disrupting the skin’s healthy water-oil balance. 

Bottom line: Adderall use will not cause acne to develop, but poor sleep quality from stimulant medications might exacerbate skin problems such as acne breakouts.

It could be a drug rash mistaken for acne

Acneiform eruptions 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. 

Drug rashes 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.

What to do about Adderall side effects like acne

There’s good news: Individuals on Adderall who experience new or worsening skin issues have options. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments

“If a patient developed acne while using Adderall, my first suggestion would be trying mild topical acne treatments such as salicylic acid and retinoids, as well as ruling out other potential triggers for acne,” Dr. Akhavan says. These OTC topical treatments can be safely used while taking Adderall.

Dosage adjustments 

If topical acne treatments don’t work and other acne triggers have been eliminated, Dr. Akhavan says it might be time to consider a dose adjustment. However, it’s 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.

Adderall alternatives for ADHD

Dr. Khurana emphasizes that, although Adderall acne is unlikely, there’s an easy solution if a patient thinks that’s what they are experiencing: Switch to a different prescription ADHD medication.

Adderall is not the only treatment for ADHD. “Non-stimulant ADHD medication will not affect cortisol levels like Adderall does,” Dr. Arkhavan says. He suggests atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI), as a potential non-stimulant alternative to ADHD. “There would be less concern about this medication potentially exacerbating acne,” he says. 

RELATED: Adderall alternatives

Skincare tips while on Adderall

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

• Keep your skin clean. Washing the face, chest, and neck up to twice daily with a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser helps keep pores clean.
• Keep your hair clean. For individuals with forehead acne, regularly shampooing the hair and scalp can help keep oil under control.
• Avoid touching breakout-prone areas. It’s tempting to pick at pimples, but a hands-off approach helps breakouts heal more quickly while preventing long-term scarring.
• Be consistent with treatments. Whether an individual is using OTC acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or Differin 0.1% (adapalene) gel or using prescription-strength treatments from a healthcare provider, it takes time for acne to clear up. Have patience, and stay consistent.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for acne. If an Adderall user is experiencing new or worsening acne that does not improve with OTC treatments, it’s time to seek professional medical advice. A healthcare professional such as a dermatologist can determine the best acne treatment options based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and other medications.