Can Adderall cause facial flushing? (+3 tips)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 05/02/2024 | Next review date: 05/02/2026
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Author bio

 

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the  Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7 

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60 

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683 

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

  https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004 

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2 

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600 

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

 https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4 

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4:  Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6:  Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher:  Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors:  Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala  , Rachel Mbabazi  , Shabnoor Iqbal  , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

 

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

 

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

 

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159 

 

 

 

 


Ivan Kahwa
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In this article, we will explore whether Adderall can cause facial flushing or not, how Adderall causes facial flushing, what factors can contribute to the facial flushing caused while taking Adderall and how to treat the condition.  

Can Adderall cause facial flushing?

Yes, Adderall can cause facial flushing. Facial flushing involves a temporary reddening of the face or warmth in the face. It is among the less common side effects of Adderall. Adderall may cause an increase in blood flow due to the blood vessel dilation which may result in facial flushing. 

The stimulant effect of Adderall is the main cause of this side effect. Adderall increases the blood flow and heart rate. The signs of Adderall-induced facial flushing typically involve facial redness, warmth and tingling sensation. This may last for several hours.

In case of an incidence of facial flushing after taking Adderall, you must consult your healthcare provider. They can help you with the management of this symptom. 

What is the link between Adderall and facial flushing?

The link between Adderall and facial flushing is related to how Adderall affects the cardiovascular system. Adderall, a stimulant medication containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, can affect the blood flow and blood vessels potentially leading to facial flushing in individuals (1).

These substances affect neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine causing an increase in the production of histamine (2). Histamine is the chemical that causes blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow (3). 

Stimulants like Adderal change the blood flow by dilating the blood vessels (4). These effects may cause an increase in the blood flow to the skin, leading to facial flushing or redness.

Additionally, stimulants can also increase body temperature and sweating in some individuals which could contribute to facial flushing and feeling warm in the face (5). 

What factors influence facial flushing while taking Adderall?

Besides the stimulant effects of Adderall on the cardiovascular system, some other factors may also contribute to facial flushing. Some of these factors are given below. 

  • Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of stimulants like Adderall, experiencing side effects including facial flushing more prominently than others.

 

  • The dosage of Adderall can influence the side effects. Higher doses might increase the likelihood or severity of facial flushing.

 

  • Variations in how the body metabolizes and eliminates Adderall can affect its concentration in the bloodstream. Differences in metabolism among individuals might lead to varying reactions and side effects.

 

  • Interaction with other substances such as antidepressants particularly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antacids, and food rich in vitamin C and caffeine may result in more severe side effects. 

 

  • Pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular issues or blood vessel regulation might contribute to exacerbating the side effects of Adderall.

 

  • Dehydration or heat can lead to dilation of the blood vessels that may contribute to face flush (6). 

What to do if Adderall causes facial flushing?

If you are taking Adderall and experiencing facial flushing or any other concerning side effect, the first step is to consult your healthcare provider. They can help identify the cause of the side effects you are experiencing and prescribe a tailored treatment plan. 

Consulting healthcare provider

Discuss the severity and frequency of facial flushing with your doctor. If the evaluation proves the role of Adderall in the occurrence of the side effects, your doctor might alter the dose or the medication and may change your treatment plan. 

Open communication with your doctor is essential. Inform your doctor about the medications, supplements and the type of food you are taking as they may interact with Adderall to cause certain side effects. In some cases, the side effects are more frequent with the starting dose because the body is trying to adjust to the effects of the drug. 

However, if the symptoms persist, your doctor may change the medication altogether and may prescribe other drugs for the treatment of ADHD or narcolepsy.

The alternatives can be (7):

  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
  • Atomoxetine (Straterra)
  • Guanfacine (Intuniv)
  • Clonidine (Kapvay)
  • Behavioural therapy

Tips to manage

Here are some tips that may help manage facial flushing.

  • Using a cold compress can mitigate the redness, facial flushing and swelling of the face.
  • Staying hydrated can help with face flushing.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they may worsen the symptoms.
  • Spicy food, hot beverages and extreme temperatures can act as triggers. These can worsen the face flushing.
  • Meditation, yoga or exercise can help manage the stress. This can help with blood pressure management thereby, reducing the persistence of facial flushing.

Final words

In my opinion, Adderall may cause facial flushing due to increased blood flow it causes as a side effect of stimulation of the central nervous system. This side effect is not commonly reported and some individuals may not even experience facial flushing. However, it may be experienced by some of the individuals taking this medication. 

 

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References

1.-

Shoar, N. S. (2023, May 23). Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/

2.-

Horner WE, Johnson DE, Schmidt AW, Rollema H. Methylphenidate and atomoxetine increase histamine release in rat prefrontal cortex. Eur J Pharmacol. 2007 Mar 8;558(1-3):96-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.11.048. Epub 2006 Dec 1. PMID: 17198700.

3.-

Ashina, K., Tsubosaka, Y., Nakamura, T., Omori, K., Kobayashi, K., Hori, M., Ozaki, H., & Murata, T. (2015). Histamine Induces Vascular Hyperpermeability by Increasing Blood Flow and Endothelial Barrier Disruption In Vivo. PloS one, 10(7), e0132367. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0132367

4.-

Sichilima, T., & Rieder, M. J. (2009). Adderall and cardiovascular risk: A therapeutic dilemma. Paediatrics & child health, 14(3), 193–195. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/14.3.193

5.-

Morozova, E., Yoo, Y., Behrouzvaziri, A., Zaretskaia, M., Rusyniak, D., Zaretsky, D., & Molkov, Y. (2016). Amphetamine enhances endurance by increasing heat dissipation. Physiological reports, 4(17), e12955. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.12955

6.-

Watso, J. C., & Farquhar, W. B. (2019). Hydration Status and Cardiovascular Function. Nutrients, 11(8), 1866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081866

7.-

In Brief: Alternatives to Adderall | The Medical Letter Inc. (n.d.). https://secure.medicalletter.org/TML-article-1664c#:~:text=SHORT%2DACTING%20STIMULANT%20ALTERNATIVES%20%E2%80%94%20Currently,their%20onset%20of%20action%20occurs