Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Thursday, April 02, 2009 Kimberley asks

Q: Could face-picking be an effect of long-term Adderal use?

My daughter, a young adult, has been taking Adderal for several years for ADD.  Over the past 2-3 years, she has picked at her face until it begins to bleed. I think it started with acne.  I am concerned as this has caused some scarring.  She picks in "spurts," and the last time I spoke with her, she said that she thinks she does it when she is anxious.  Could this be an effect of long-term Adderal use?  Are there suggestions for alternative ways to treat her ADD?

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Answers (2)
Eileen Bailey, Health Guide
4/ 2/09 1:26pm

Kimberley

 

Thank you for your question and welcome to ADHDCentral.com.

 

Sometimes aggitation and nervousness can be a side effect of Adderall, your daughter should speak with her doctor about what is going on. The doctor may decide to change medicatons or adjust the dosage to see if this helps.

 

Further information:

 

The Basics of ADHD Medications

 

Side Effects of Commonly Prescribed Medications for ADHD

 

Tips for Managing Side Effects of ADHD Medications

 

I hope this helps

 

Eileen    

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8/ 2/10 5:48am

I know this is a late response, but I just had to reply. I took Adderall for about a year when I was 18 and I literally could not stop picking at my face. I would sit in front of the mirror for hours and pick at every pore until my whole face would be bleeding and scabbed. In my mind, I was striving for perfection by getting rid of any blackheads, but in reality, I was scarring my face for years to come. I think that being a young woman and obsessing over appearance has a lot to do with it. But I also believe that the Adderall played a major role in it. I was taking too much and would be so awake and impatient that I would sometimes pick at my face because there were no other tasks or activities that were as seemingly instantly gratifying. I would talk to your daughter and make sure that she is taking her prescribed dose, or maybe allow her to see a therapist or counselor once a week or so to get to the real root of her problems. Ever since I lowered my dose and then, eventually, stopped taking the Adderall, I have much more control and can stop myself when I begin to pick.

Best of luck.

 

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By Kimberley— Last Modified: 11/16/10, First Published: 04/02/09