Can Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) cause acne or altered taste as a side effect?

Side Effects of Adderall: Acne and Altered Taste

Altered taste is a documented side effect of Adderall, but acne is not listed as a common or recognized side effect in FDA labeling or clinical guidelines.

Documented Side Effects of Adderall

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) has several well-documented side effects according to FDA labeling and clinical guidelines:

Cardiovascular Effects

• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
• Elevated blood pressure
• Rare reports of cardiomyopathy with chronic use 1

Central Nervous System Effects

• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Euphoria
• Dysphoria
• Tremor
• Rare psychotic episodes 1

Gastrointestinal Effects

• Dry mouth and unpleasant taste (this confirms altered taste as a recognized side effect)
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Anorexia and weight loss 1

Other Effects

• Urticaria (allergic reaction)
• Changes in libido
• Impotence 1
• Hyperthermia 2

Regarding Acne and Adderall

Despite thorough review of the evidence, acne is not listed as a side effect of Adderall in:

• FDA drug labeling 1
• ADHD treatment guidelines 3
• Clinical studies on Adderall side effects 4

While certain medications are known to cause drug-induced acne (DIA), including:

• Corticosteroids
• Anabolic steroids
• Testosterone
• Halogens
• Isoniazid
• Lithium
• Some anticancer agents 5

Amphetamines like Adderall are not included in this list of medications with an established causal relationship to acne.

Management of Side Effects

If a patient experiences altered taste while taking Adderall:

1. Document the symptom and assess severity
2. Consider if dose adjustment might help
3. Ensure adequate hydration, as dry mouth can contribute to taste alterations
4. If severe or intolerable, discuss alternative ADHD medications:
   • Methylphenidate-based medications
   • Non-stimulant options like atomoxetine, extended-release guanfacine, or extended-release clonidine 3

Important Considerations

• Monitoring: Regular follow-up every 3-4 weeks during dose titration and every 3-6 months once stabilized 3
• Parameters to monitor: Weight, appetite, sleep patterns, blood pressure, pulse, and mood changes 3
• Potential for abuse: Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance with high potential for abuse and dependence 1

If a patient develops acne while taking Adderall, the acne is likely coincidental or related to other factors, as this is not a recognized side effect of the medication. The patient should be evaluated for common causes of acne and treated according to standard acne management guidelines.