From the Guidelines
Adderall can cause itching in some individuals, although it is not a commonly reported side effect. The exact mechanism of itching caused by Adderall is not well understood, but it may be related to the release of histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions 1. Itching can occur anywhere on the body and can range from mild to severe. If you experience itching while taking Adderall, it is essential to consult your prescribing healthcare provider before discontinuing the medication, as they may recommend adjusting your dosage or switching to an alternative medication. Some key points to consider when taking Adderall include:
- Monitoring of pulse and blood pressure, as stimulant medications are associated with statistically significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate 1
- Careful monitoring of height and weight gain, as treatment with psychostimulants is associated with a statistically significant reduction in height and weight gain 1
- Being aware of the potential for serious allergic reactions, such as hives, rash, or swelling, especially if accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, and seeking immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur. Never stop taking Adderall abruptly without medical guidance, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is crucial to weigh the benefits of taking Adderall against the potential risks and side effects, and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
From the FDA Drug Label
Allergic: Urticaria The FDA drug label for Adderall mentions urticaria, which is a skin rash characterized by itching.
- Itching can be a symptom of urticaria.
- The drug label directly supports that Adderall can cause itching as part of an allergic reaction 2.
From the Research
Adderall and Itching
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) causes itching as a side effect 3, 4.
- However, it is known that some medications can cause itching as a concomitant symptom of drug-induced skin reactions or in the form of pruritus without skin lesions 5.
- Drug-induced itch is defined as generalized itching without skin lesions, caused by a drug, and some drugs such as opioids, antimalarials, and hydroxyethyl starch are known to induce itching without skin lesions 5.
- The management of drug-induced itch typically involves discontinuation of the suspected causative drug, and symptomatic antipruritic treatment may be undertaken if the itching persists 5.
Related Studies
- A study on overdose of drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) discusses the clinical presentation, mechanisms of toxicity, and management of ADHD medication overdose, but does not mention itching as a side effect 3.
- A study on current topical and systemic therapies for itch discusses the pathophysiology of itch and various treatments for itch, but does not specifically mention Adderall as a cause of itching 6.
- A study on drug-induced itch management discusses the clinical features and underlying mechanisms of itching caused by various drugs, but does not mention Adderall as a cause of itching 5.
- A study on the characteristics of online pharmacies selling Adderall discusses the safety and marketing characteristics of online pharmacies selling Adderall, but does not mention itching as a side effect 7.
- A study on Adderall toxicity discusses the clinical signs of Adderall overdose in humans and dogs, but does not mention itching as a side effect 4.