Does Adderall cause bruising? (+3 Tips)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will discuss whether Adderall can cause bruising or not, what is the link between Adderall and bruising, how to manage bruising while taking Adderall and what are the risk factors for bruising.
Does Adderall cause bruising?
Yes, Adderall can cause bruising in some patients. Bruising is not a commonly observed side effect of Adderall but it may occur in some individuals (1). This side effect might be observed as Adderall affects the way blood clots making it easier for small blood vessels to break and cause bruises (2). Bruising observed as a side effect of Adderall may not be severe or intense.
Adderall has the tendency to make the blood vessels more prone to bruising by affecting the clotting process. If you experience severe or persistent bruising then consulting your healthcare provider is the best approach. They can help you understand the underlying cause of the effect observed and may provide a treatment strategy for this if needed.
What is the link between Adderall and bruising?
Adderall is a stimulant drug that works by affecting the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain (3). Adderall causes bruising due to its effects on the platelets, cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting (2). When platelets encounter a damaged blood vessel, they activate and form a lot, preventing blood loss.
Adderall can interfere with platelet activation and aggregation making it more difficult for the blood to clot. This can lead to increased bleeding or bruising. The platelet function may be affected by Adderall due to the following:
Dopamine interaction: Adderall increases the levels of dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that may influence platelet function. Excessive dopamine can inhibit platelet aggregation and activation (4).
Norepinephrine effect: Norepinephrine can constrict blood vessels (5), reducing blood flow and potentially impairing platelet activation. Adderall increases the level of norepinephrine as well.
Serotonin modulation: Adderall also has an effect on serotonin. This effect is mild. Increased serotonin levels can also alter the platelet function and may result in bruising (6).
What are the risk factors for bruising while taking Adderall?
Several factors can contribute to the incidence of bruising while the patient is taking Adderal. Some of these factors include:
Dosage: The risk of bruising increases with an increased dose of Adderall.
Duration of treatment: Long-term use of Adderall may lead to an increased risk of bruising.
Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals might be more susceptible to experiencing bruising as a result of taking Adderall due to their metabolic rates and genetic predisposition or the body’s physiology.
Concurrent medications: Certain medications such as NSAIDs, blood thinners, aspirin and some antidepressants like Sertraline can potentiate the effect of bruising caused by Adderall (7).
Pre-existing conditions: Individuals with a history of easy bruising, bleeding disorders or platelet abnormalities are more likely to experience bruising as a side effect of Adderall.
Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies of vitamin K (8) and C (9) can impair platelet function and increase the risk of bruising.
Liver or kidney diseases: This condition can affect platelet production and function making individuals more susceptible to bruising.
Age: Older individuals are at increased risk of developing bruising as compared to younger ones due to their age-related effects on platelet function.
How to treat bruising while taking Adderall?
Side effects of Adderall can be concerning if the symptoms persist or get intensified. Consulting your healthcare provider is the most crucial step in managing or treating the side effects of Adderall.
When to consult your healthcare provider?
You need to inform your healthcare provider about your condition if:
- Your bruises are increasing in size, or become more frequent.
- If you observe internal bleeding under the skin.
- If bruises don’t go away even after 2-3 weeks of treatment with Adderall.
- If you notice additional symptoms such as fever, nausea etc.
Open communication with your healthcare provider can result in the following measures:
- Your doctor may start with a low dose and gradually increase the dose to minimize the effects of Adderall.
- Your doctor will manage your underlying health condition first if needed.
- Your dosage regimen will be tailored according to your requirements.
- A balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep will be recommended.
Tips to manage bruising
Here are some tips that can be helpful in managing bruising.
- Wear protective clothing while engaging in a physical activity that might result in bruising. Be cautious to avoid injury.
- Applying ice or cold packs to the affected area can also help with bruising by constricting blood vessels.
- Some people find relief by using Arnica or topical creams specifically designed to reduce bruising.
- Ensure a diet that balances your vitamin and nutritional requirements.
Conclusion
In my opinion, Adderall can be a reason for bruising but bruising is not a common side effect of Adderall. However, it may appear in some patients who are more at risk of this effect. Consulting your healthcare provider is the best approach to ensure the best outcomes of the treatment plan.
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References
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Shoar, N. S. (2023, May 23). Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/
2.-
MACHT DI, GOLDEN MR. Influence of amphetamine on blood coagulation. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 1952 Jan;88(4):491-5. PMID: 14934381.
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Weyandt, L. L., White, T. L., Gudmundsdottir, B. G., Nitenson, A. Z., Rathkey, E. S., De Leon, K. A., & Bjorn, S. A. (2018). Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmacy6030058
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Braunstein KM, Sarji KE, Kleinfelder J, Schraibman HB, Colwell JA, Eurenius K. The effects of dopamine on human platelet aggregation, in vitro. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1977 Feb;200(2):449-57. PMID: 839449.
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Rogers, Kara. “norepinephrine”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.britannica.com/science/norepinephrine. Accessed 19 November 2023.
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Schlienger RG, Meier CR. Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on platelet activation: can they prevent acute myocardial infarction? Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2003;3(3):149-62. doi: 10.2165/00129784-200303030-00001. PMID: 14727927.
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Scharf RE. Drugs that affect platelet function. Semin Thromb Hemost. 2012 Nov;38(8):865-83. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1328881. Epub 2012 Oct 30. PMID: 23111864.
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Vermeer C. (2012). Vitamin K: the effect on health beyond coagulation – an overview. Food & nutrition research, 56, 10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5329. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v56i0.5329
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Tofler GH, Stec JJ, Stubbe I, Beadle J, Feng D, Lipinska I, Taylor A. The effect of vitamin C supplementation on coagulability and lipid levels in healthy male subjects. Thromb Res. 2000 Oct 1;100(1):35-41. doi: 10.1016/s0049-3848(00)00317-0. PMID: 11053614.
