Does Adderall cause swollen lymph nodes? (+3 tips)

By Ivan Kahwa
Page last updated: 30/01/2024 | Next review date: 30/01/2026
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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 swollen lymph nodes or not, how Adderall causes swollen lymph nodes, what factors influence Adderall-induced swollen lymph nodes and what to do if Adderall causes swollen lymph nodes.   

Does Adderall cause swollen lymph nodes?

Yes, Adderall (amphetamine+dextroamphetamine) can cause swollen lymph nodes in some individuals. It is not a commonly reported side effect of Adderall. However, some basic mechanism of action of Adderall links it to the swollen lymph nodes. 

Adderall is a stimulant medication that stimulates the central nervous system. It helps with the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (1). Its effects on the central nervous system can lead to certain side effects. However, some indirect effects of Adderall in the body can lead to effects like swollen lymph nodes as well. 

A weakened immune system or the stimulation of the immune system is the link between Adderall and swollen lymph nodes. This can happen by an allergic reaction caused by Adderall, direct stimulation of the immune system by Adderall or exacerbation of stress and anxiety by Adderall. All these mechanisms can lead to swollen lymph nodes.

If you are taking Adderall and experience swollen lymph nodes then you need to consult your healthcare provider. They can help you determine the exact cause of swollen lymph nodes whether Adderall related or not. 

How does Adderall cause swollen lymph nodes?

Some indirect actions of Adderall can cause swollen lymph nodes. 

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes after taking Adderall can be due to allergic reactions induced by Adderall (2). These allergic reactions can lead to hives, swollen lymph nodes and difficulty breathing. Drugs like Adderall can trigger the immune response which may cause the lymph nodes to filter out potential pathogens and become enlarged as a result (3). 

Adderall is also associated with decreased appetite and weight loss (4). If these conditions become severe then they may lead to malnutrition or a weakened immune system. This mechanism can make the body susceptible to certain infections causing swelling in the lymph nodes. 

What factors may influence Adderall-induced swollen lymph nodes?

Adderall-induced swollen lymph nodes can be influenced by the following factors.

Individual factors

Individual sensitivity plays a major role in the incidence of Adderall-induced swollen lymph nodes. Not every person taking Adderall will experience the same effects. The individual factors involved in the intensity and severity of the side effects of Adderall include:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Metabolic rate
  • Underlying health condition
  • Concurrent medications
  • Immune system sensitivity
  • Nutritional status

Medication factors

Several Adderall-related factors are also crucial in influencing the swollen lymph nodes. Higher doses and prolonged uses are usually associated with intense and severe side effects profile including swollen lymph nodes. 

Interaction of Adderall with some other medication you might be taking can lead to swollen lymph nodes and intense side effects. Adderall may interact with the effects of the following medications:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Penicillins
  • Sulpha drugs
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Quinidine
  • Bupropion
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Other factors

If you are suffering from a certain medical health condition then Adderall-induced swollen lymph nodes may be more pronounced in the patients taking it. Such conditions include infections, autoimmune disorders and some types of cancers. 

Smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrient deficiencies and lack of sleep can also cause the immune system to weaken and lead to swollen lymph nodes. 

What to do if Adderall causes swollen lymph nodes?

If you are taking Adderall and experience swollen lymph nodes then you need to consult your healthcare provider.

Consulting healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider will analyze your condition, conduct a thorough examination, take your past medical history, look for the interaction of drug or drug-disease in your treatment plan and then modify your treatment plan according to your specific requirements.

 In order to modify your treatment plan, your doctor may reduce the dose of Adderall to alleviate its effects on your body reducing the intensity of the side effects that may occur. A lower dose of Adderall may cause an allergic reaction of lesser intensity and severity and can help the body to adjust better to the dose of Adderall. 

If lowering the dose of Adderall does not alleviate the side effects, particularly swollen lymph nodes then your doctor may recommend switching to an alternative medication that may cause a lower risk of swollen lymph nodes.

Alternatives to Adderall

If Adderall is causing serious side effects and modifying the treatment plan does not help then your doctor may recommend one of the following medications that can help treat ADHD or narcolepsy with a lower risk of swollen lymph nodes (5). 

Tips to manage swollen lymph nodes

Here are a few tips that can help manage the swollen lymph nodes caused by Adderall.

  • A warm compress over the swollen lymph node for 10-15 minutes can help with the condition. 
  • To deal with pain, some over-the-counter pain relievers can be used such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen etc.
  • Good hygiene such as washing hands and regular wound cleaning etc can help avoid infections.
  • Avoid irritants such as certain foods, cosmetic products or environmental allergens can be helpful. 

In my opinion, Adderall is a stimulant medication, Its direct action on the central nervous system does not cause swollen lymph nodes. However, the allergic reactions that may be stimulated by Adderall can be responsible for inducing swollen lymph nodes in the patients taking Adderall. 

It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider if you experience swollen lymph nodes after taking Adderall. They can help you better understand the condition and can tailor a treatment plan according to your needs. 

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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.-

Glac, W., Dunacka, J., Grembecka, B., Świątek, G., Majkutewicz, I., & Wrona, D. (2021). Prolonged Peripheral Immunosuppressive Responses as Consequences of Random Amphetamine Treatment, Amphetamine Withdrawal and Subsequent Amphetamine Challenges in Rats. Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 16(4), 870–887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-021-09988-1

3.-

Maini, R. (2023, August 8). Lymphadenopathy. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558918/

4.-

Cruickshank C. C., Dyer K. R. A review of the clinical pharmacology of methamphetamine. Addiction. 2009;104(7):1085–1099. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02564.x. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]

5.-

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