Does Adderall make your eyes red? (+3 factors)
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 explore whether taking Adderall makes your eyes red or not, how Adderall makes the eyes red, what factors may affect the redness in eyes while taking Adderall and what to do if Adderall causes red eyes.
Does Adderall make your eyes red?
Yes, Adderall (amphetamine+dextroamphetamine) can make your eyes red. However, it is not a commonly reported side effect of Adderall. Adderall is a stimulant drug that works by affecting the central nervous system (CNS) (1). This causes the blood vessels to dilate which may lead to redness in the eyes.
Red eyes may also be caused by allergies, dehydration, eye strains or any other non-drug related factor. It is possible for Adderall to not be the sole cause of red eyes. It is important to consult your doctor if you experience red eyes after taking Adderall. They will help you determine the exact cause behind your symptoms.
Your healthcare provider can make the necessary modifications to make your treatment plan tailored to your needs and requirements.
How does Adderall cause the eyes to turn red?
Adderall affects the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system. Adderall is a stimulant drug that increases the focus and concentration of the patient taking it. The drug is used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or narcolepsy (2). The stimulant effects of Adderall cause vasodilation (3).
The dilation of the blood vessels in the eyes causes increased blood flow to the eyes and may result in your eyes turning red (4).
Adderall has a list of side effects that include dry mouth, increased heart rate, difficulty sleeping etc. Redness of the eyes after taking Adderall is an uncommon side effect of taking Adderall.
What factors may affect Adderall-induced red eyes?
Dosage: Dosage of the Adderall is an important factor. Some side effects can be dose-related and higher doses may lead to an increased risk of developing such factors. Adderall can cause red eyes in the initial time of the dosage and the effect may subside after the body gets adjusted to it.
Individual sensitivity: The effects of every medication differ from patient to patient including the effects of Adderall. The difference in the incidence of effects in different patients taking the same medication is due to genetic predispositions, metabolic rates and individual health conditions.
Underlying health condition: If you have some underlying health conditions that may cause Adderall to show increased side effects then this has to be communicated to your healthcare provider. There are some conditions that can cause your eyes to turn red. Such conditions include allergies and scleritis.
Interaction with other medications: If you are taking certain medications such as decongestants, antidepressants and antihistamines then taking Adderall is more likely to cause red eyes due to interaction with these medications.
Duration of use: Increased duration of Adderall use can make you more susceptible to side effects like red eyes. This is due to the development of tolerance in the body causing similar effects to be achieved with a dose more than the previous.
Non-drug related factors
Red eyes can also be observed due to certain other medical conditions. Such factors are not related to Adderall but are highly influential in causing red eyes Such factors include the following conditions (5).
- Dry eyes
- Eye strain
- Allergies
- Pink Eye
- Uveitis
- Scleritis
What to do if Adderall makes your eyes red?
If you are taking Adderall and experience redness eyes in your eyes then you need to inform your healthcare provider about the symptoms. They can help you manage the condition and idenify the exact cause of these effects.
Consulting healthcare provider
Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough exam to determine the cause of red eyes and to determine if some underlying health condition is causing this effect. Your healthcare provider may suggest the following.
- If Adderall is found to be the cause of symptoms, then your doctor might lower the dose of the drug and modify the treatment plan according to your needs.
- You might be advised to lower your screen time as too much exposure to computers or mobile phones can strain your eyes, worsening the effect of Adderall.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. This can help with dry eyes and prevent irritation.
- Your doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated and reduce dryness.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Both of these can dehydrate your eyes causing a worsened effect of Adderall.
- You need a regular follow-up exam to monitor the condition of your eyes.
Even after all the protocols the redness in the eyes persists or increases in severity then the doctor may have to prescribe you an alternative medication.
Alternative pharmacotherapy
If you experience persistent side effects from Adderall or if the side effects caused by Adderall interfere with your daily activities then your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications to help treat your condition of ADHD or narcolepsy (6).
- Methylphenidate
- Dexmethylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Modafinil
- Armodafinil
- Bupropion
- Guanfacine
In my opinion, Adderall does not commonly cause red eyes but the effects of drugs may differ in different patients. Some might experience this side effect whereas, others might not. There are certain factors that need to be considered in order to give the correct diagnosis and improved treatment therapy.
If you have any concerns or experience any unwanted side effects of your prescribed medication, then consulting your healthcare provider can be the best option.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Shoar, N. S. (2023, May 23). Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/
2.-
Faraone SV, Biederman J. Efficacy of Adderall for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a meta-analysis. J Atten Disord. 2002 Sep;6(2):69-75. doi: 10.1177/108705470200600203. PMID: 12142863.
3.-
Khan, A., Talha, B., Vyas, V., Khan, U., Rao, S., & Dhamoon, A. (2021). Routine Use of Prescription Adderall Leading to Non-cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema and Respiratory Failure. Cureus, 13(7), e16371. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.16371
4.-
Flammer, J., Konieczka, K., Bruno, R. M., Virdis, A., Flammer, A. J., & Taddei, S. (2013). The eye and the heart. European heart journal, 34(17), 1270–1278. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/eht023
5.-
Farokhfar, A., Ahmadzadeh Amiri, A., Heidari Gorji Mohammad, A., & Sheikhrezaee, M. (2016). Common causes of red eye presenting in northern Iran. Romanian journal of ophthalmology, 60(2), 71–78.
6.-
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
