The four ADHD Meds I've Tried Give me Acne...

[EdTechDad]

I'm 41, diagnosed with ADHD about 5 months ago. I've tried several ADHD meds; one non-stimulant (caused horrible constipation) but they all give me acne as I was back in high school. Any recommendations?

[Prussic]

Welcome EdTechDad! Sorry to hear about the med side affects.

I’m not a doctor or medical professional. I’m a blue collar worker. That being said:

I’m bi-polar so stimulants are a no go for me. I’m also diagnosed with clinical depression. My doc put me on Welbutrin for the depression and the ADHD. It was the most cost effective med that played nice with my lithium.

As far as helping with ADHD symptoms I don’t have a comparison with other meds but I’m able to focus a little better. It’s not a magic bullet but I’m not struggling as much as before.

I hope you find a solution!

[EdTechDad in reply to Prussic]

Thank you, I truly appreciate you taking the time to reach out and share your experience with me. I'll read up on Wellbutrin.

Be well.

[STEM_Dad]

How long did you stay on each of the meds?

Sometimes an initial reaction will have side effects which go away after your body has had time to adjust to the medication.

(I've heard this about meds in general causing acne, but not particularly for ADHD meds. My mom has had acne breakouts in response to almost anything...it's due to her own biological sensitivity. New medication? Breakout Not hydrated enough? Breakout. Not enough sleep? Breakout. Too much stress? Breakout. Being nearby someone who is wearing a lot of perfume? Sneezing...plus a breakout.)

[EdTechDad in reply to STEM_Dad]

I tried a few of them for about a month or so

[STEM_Dad in reply to EdTechDad]

I found an article written by a dermatologist about Adderall and acne. It explains that there are three ways in which ADHD meds might be causing acne in a patient, and some recommendations for treating the acne.

thankyourskin.com/does-adde...

I learned some interesting things from this article. I already knew that Adderall could increase the effects of the flight or flight response, but I learned that the reasons why are that 1) it can increase cortisol levels, and 2) it can increase blood glucose levels. Either of those issues can increase acne.

Apparently, since Adderall can also cause constipation, which can then cause the body to increase waste excretion via the skin (via sweat and oil secretion ) to help make up for it...and that can increase acne.

Something that I didn't expect is that Adderall can also cause dry skin, and that dry skin is less able to resist bacteria and fungus that lives on the skin, which can then result in acne. (I've never before heard about how dry skin could cause acne. I always thought that it was oily skin or excess skin bacteria that caused acne.)

I hope that this information is helpful.

[Mamamichl]

if you can afford it or get insurance to cover it, I would look into a gene sight test. It can tell you what meds you will have adverse side effects on.

[EdTechDad in reply to Mamamichl]

I've never heard of a gene sight test...but I'm off to research it! Thank you!

[Mamamichl in reply to EdTechDad]

Do keep in mind, I have a current bill of $5600 because my pcp hasn’t done prior authorization correctly. They assured me we were good, but it’s a pain. It also only works for side effects, and doesn’t tell you what med will work.