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What Causes Dermatillomania

concernedmom , 18 Aug 2010

Proof that Adderall caused skin picking

My daughter was just 6 when she began on Adderall for ADHD. Shortly thereafter I began to see changes. I noticed my daughter was having allot of issues with anxiety and fears. To make a long story short as the years went by I always believed the medication was the reasons for these changes but the doctors would never confirm this to me. They always kept reassuring me that I was doing the right thing in allowing them to medicate my daughter. My age 16 she's been diagnosed with panic disorder,generalized anxiety,ADHD, tachycardia,bp issues and medication induced tics. She was constantly picking by this point.She looked more like a leper sores all over her body. She constantly cries about wanting to stop but doesn't know how to stop picking.She's been back and forth to psychiatrists,her primary care doctor and yet no one ever confirms to me that this all has been a result of her medication. The closest I got to a doctor saying it was" well all medications have side effects". This is my daughter. No one should have to live in this kind of torment and pain. Her life has been nothing but a hell. Full of internal torments and physical pain caused by the picking. Has anyone been successful in proving that Adderall or Vyvanse caused these symptoms or the picking? Hs anyone been successful in taking this to a lawyer and into the courts? I feel like I need to advocate for my daughter. If I don't stick up and speak for her no one will.
62 Answers
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Rachel04
August 19, 2010
I take Vyvanse and go to a therapist who knows about my picking. Vyvanse does not CAUSE picking, it makes you more aware of it. Any ADHD/ADD med can have that side affect. I balance the Vyvanse with Prozac. The prozac balances because it has a calming affect.
concernedmom
August 19, 2010
Thank you for your reply. I am aware that the stimulants continue the picking. My daughter was 6 when she began and wasn't picking until she began on Adderall XR....now that it's begun,it's continuing. I just found out that the VYvanse or any of the ADHD medication stimulants help to contribute to this now that the Adderall has started it. They give her Zoloft and NAC but she still picks. Has anyone tried Inositol? Picking isn't her only issues with these drugs however...since 2007 she's had tachycardia. She also has had severe anxiety and panic attacks since she was young (They have progressively gotten worse over the years) and tics brought on by the medications. We go to both a pshychiatrist and a counselor. These drugs are not perscribed by her pediatrician. So,one question Rachel---did you pick BEFORE the ADHD meds?
momto3girls
August 24, 2010
I am on Vyvanse and Prozac. I was not diagnosed with ADHD until I was an adult - but I have been picking since I was 6 or 7....so the meds definately didn't cause mine. I have noticed since I have been on Vyvanse that I am more aware of it now - which I guess could help me in trying to stop.
Consuelo1979
August 28, 2010
Hi there, I have been taking Adderall for several years now and have noticed that my picking became uncontrollable directly after starting it. I did a self test where I stopped taking it, this was financially induced halt. I stopped Adderall for 3 months. It was a very difficult there months. However, I noticed that my skin was healing, I was wearing shorts and could put on a tank top without wincing because of how my skin looked. Let me say, I was a picker before Adderall but I never got out of control. I would pluck my eyebrows until they were very thin and pick my face a little but that was it. Now, I pick everything. It gets so bad that I wear long sleeves in Miami summers. It was not until I started the medication did my picking become insane. The worst part is, I need Adderall to function normally with my high stress life style. The only solution I could come up with was to put on gloves right when I got home. The gloves make you aware when you begin to pick and at the same time harder start picking that makes a scar. I have also noticed that when I have a meditative workout I will pick less. I cycle or run. I think something that is constant but active can clear the mind and keep your attention is key.
Popcorn47
August 28, 2010
I agree. I was diagnosed as an adult as well and started on Ritilin. And yes sure I picked before, but once I started that med, that's when I feel like I jumped on the roller coaster and went haywire and attacked my body. I never went after every little bump or pore to this extent before. I've always been weird about things like blackheads around my nose. That was my hangup. But it didn't extend to this over-attacking to the point of embarassmet. I don't want to go out in public now. I used to. A lot. I asked my doctor if there was any association because that's what/when I noticed it as well and he said "no" that there was no such "side effect" as this in association with taking Ritilin. So I had to write it off, but in my head I did make a mental note of how and when this thing got so out of control. I've been made to believe it's my imagination, but I never fully bought into that.
concernedmom
August 28, 2010
I want to thank everyone for responding. After reading your posts I am only more set on finding the answers. I know in my heart that my daughter did not pick before these medications and it just irks me that none of the doctors have been up front about the panic attacks,anxiety and picking. When I asked this last doctor she said "well there are side effects with all medications." THIS was the one confirmation I had ever gotten that these drugs did cause this. I will keep you posted. I am trying to see if there is some legal recourse. If I find anything I will let you all know.
smgrac0
September 02, 2010
Yes, I do believe there is a pharmacological connection between dermatillamania and concurrent use of stimulants, i.e. Adderall, Adderall XR, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, and Desoxyn, to name the most common. I personally suffer from ADHD-Hyperactive Type with a comorbid Impulse Control Disorder. For countless years I took Adderall XR 30mg daily until I was diagnosed with a terminal illness and began suffering from anxiety and panic. Instead of treating my anxiety with benzoidapines my dose of Adderall XR was doubled. He justified this saying, that while paradoxical, those with ADHD often can manage the triggers of their anxiety if prescribed more of their stimulant. Suprisenly doubling my daily dosage to now 60mg daily did control my day-time anxiety. Unfortunately when the stimulant wore off come night I found myself 'picking' alongside managing rebounding anxiety issues. Now I take Xanax 2mg tabs at night as needed to control my anxiety and ironically COMPLETELY HALTS my urge to pick!! Further supporting evidence can be found when I often chose to not take my Adderall XR on a weekend, so I can sleep, etc.. On those days in particular I find absolutely NO urge to pick. A temporary remedy for you might be switching to a less potent stimulant like Ritalin or Concerta. Adderall and Vyvanse both are comprised of amphetamine raceamic isomers, dextro-amphetamine the most potent and Levo-Amphetamine being less.. (Adderall is 3:1 Dextro to Levo, and Vayanse, I believe, free of dextro completely. (Dexto-Amphetamine is potent and addictive, crossing ones blood-brain barrier as Dextro-Amp, the same end chemical that Methamphetamine breaks into before entering our brains!! Maybe switch to a Ritalin formulation and ask of Xanax or Valium could help manage the urge to pick... Hope I've helped
concernedmom
September 02, 2010
Dear smgrac0, You sound very knowledgeable about the ADHD drugs. I agree completely with you about Adderall and Vyvanse. The doctor is wheaning my daughter off of the Vyvanse and sine this process began so has her urge to pick. The habit and urge is still there but she told be she hasn't been picking the same amount. I am hoping once this process is complete that she will have control over her urges. The one thing that bothers me is at first the doctor dropped her from 60mg to 30mg and when this happened so quickly it caused my daughter to see faces in the mirror and she had terrible nightmares. We went directly to her doctor and then they began wheaning her slowly from the drug. She isn't seeing the faces anymore but now she's so petrified of any shadow or noise as that event really traumatized her. Have you ever heard this happening before? The doctor has my daughter on Zoloft, which she is also supposed to reduce now that she's nearly off of the Vyvanse (2 more days). You have helped tremendously and I appreciate the explanations.
Gigismom
September 27, 2010
Agreed concernedmom! I am a huge advocate for my 16 yr old daughter that is physically and learning disabled. However, she began taking Adderall 30mg daily 5 years ago but didn't start picking her scalp until almost 2 years ago?? Since then it has continually gotten worse to the point of severe. Being mentally challenged its quite hard to get to the true emotional causes. If there is a connection why did it take so long to manifest? Additionally, she is also on Prozac and Abilify. (behavioral issues) I guess my question is has anyone had a similar experience and has anyone's physician ever confirmed this connection with these types of drugs? Also you mentioned medication induced tics, can you tell me more.
concernedmom
September 27, 2010
Dear Gigismom---It's been several months now that my daughter has been weaned off of her medication. I want you all to know that since she has gone off of Vyvanse she is no longer picking. For the first time in 5 years of being on ADHD medications (Adderall XR and Vyvanse) she is finally beginning to heal her physical wounds that these medications have left. The physchiatrist that prescribed the Vyvanse is in agreement that the picking was caused by these drugs but since my daughter came to her after the fact she said she can only testify to what she has seen. She told me to go back to the original prescriber and ask them but the problem is this doctor is no longer with the same medical faciility. I have talked and written to several lawyers about my daughter but they say her case would be too costly and the burden of proof is on us to prove these medications did this to her. Gigsmom---I don't recall the exact time her picking began. My daughter believes she began about 6 months to a year after she began the Adderall. All I know is she could not stop and every time I said something to her pediatrician they kept dismissing it. It was finally one of the PA's that said I think she has some kind of OCD and recommended us to a physchiatrist. Things didn't work out with that counselor and then about 1 1/2 years ago we swithced to a new doctor. It was this last doctor that agrees however without the first doctor backing up that claim it isn't going to work. She suggested putting my daughter back on the vyvanse to document this fact but after seeing what my daughter went through to get off of the Vyvanse I am afraid to do this to her again. They cut her medicine too fast and she began seeing terrifying images. When this happened they tried weaning her more slowly and the images went away but she was so scarred by these images that she is now scared to death to sleep alone or even go upstairs by herself. She spent about 2 weeks covering up the mirrors so she wouldn't see anything again. She is better now but still fearful that these images will return. It's sad that a child has to go through this. I am still looking for anwsers and if I find them I will post. ps---my daughter also picked her scalp as well to the point of losing patches of hair. It is better now and she has stopped piciking.
Dancingpopes
October 06, 2010
Wow, I didn't make the connection between the increased ferocity in my face picking with the Vyvanse ive been on for 4 months. I've always picked and dug holes in my face, but the SEVERITY, frequency, and lack of self control over the picking has SKYROCKETED.
morgaine
October 21, 2011
Hello to all. I am posting here for the first time. I don't know if I'm glad I found this site while doing research or not. I AM HORRIFIED!!! I started taking Adderall about 6 months ago. Never in my LIFE have I EVER had a problem with picking anything on my body!! About a week ago, I thought I saw 2 ugly blackheads on my tummy. I am turning 58 in a few weeks. I have always had beautiful skin, no acne problems as a teen, and frequently am told I can pass for late 40's. My Mother is 87 and still looks great...I did get her genes in the skin department, thank God. But NOW, I must have over 300 picking marks, some so bad, they are actually HOLES in my stomach. I'm not meaning to brag at all, really I am not. I have been blessed all my life with very few body issues. I was very chubby as a kid, but was successful in getting my weight down as an adult (after having my daughter) and have (again) been blessed to still wear a 2 piece suit and feel comfortable. If ANYONE thinks Adderall does NOT cause picking, they are delusional. I saw my Doc 4 days ago, things weren't too bad then. He said is was an imbalance in the chemistry, agreed I should stop the Adderall, so I have a 4-5 week wean off period. I do take Kolonopin and Effexor. They have not seemed to help my anxiety since this picking started. I just started taking 5HTP in the evening as part of a new program I'm beginning to get off ALL MEDS. Depression runs rampant in my family so that is the one thing I've had all my life. Started the antidepressants 18 yrs. ago due to severe post-partum depression. My apologies this is so disjointed...so jumbled. I am honestly in shock right now. I thought this little picking thing was a weird passing phase. I've never been diagnosed with ADHD, OCD, or anything close. Panic attacks and anxiety began about 5 yrs. ago after several major life-altering events that came one on top of the other. Didn't have time to process one, and they just kept coming. My life kind of fell apart. Not kind of ....IT DID. I share this ONLY to make the point again, that this picking just started. I know without a shadow of a doubt that its the Adderall. I'm concerned I will have scars now...I do not have the funds to afford any kind of special skin treatments after the fact. My daughter keeps telling me I just have to stop. I CAN'T. It's obsessive, and as someone else posted, I get lost in a trance for what seems like hours. I am horrified not only about my skin (face, arms, legs, stomach) but that I repeatedly read EVERY SINGLE WORD of the side effects and precautions of this drug. Talked with my Doc about the addictive properties. Expressed concern that I did not want to become addicted to anything - more. Never once, in any literature, or from my physician, was THIS mentioned as a possibility. I think this HORRIBLE DRUG should be banned, I will stand up in any court, align with anyone who's willing, to sue the Ba***ds for not fully informing parents or any patient what this stuff can cause. I'm heartbroken for the kids who have suffered so badly on this medication. Heartbroken for all of us who have seen what we've done to our own bodies - without any ability to just STOP. As a single, mature adult woman, this is the last thing I need in my life. Someday I do want to have a relationship again. I am now worried about ever showing my body in public - the pool or beach - and no way on earth would I attempt intimacy in this condition. Please forgive the typos or lack of spell check. I didn't expect to find this-- to learn what I've learned. At this moment, my anxiety is off the charts. Dear God, what if I can never stop this even after I quit the Adderall?? I'm too old and too tired to fight another major life battle right now. I'm angry, sad, worried, and want to cry. A LOT. If anyone does find legal grounds, I'm with you. I know exactly when this began....and have no prior issues with picking. Again, it's the Adderall. That is the only thing in my life that is different in over 2.5 years. Last note...my dear sister-in-law, referred me to the book, THE WAY UP FROM DOWN. While it's focus in healing depression naturally, it explains everything about our brain chemistry. Written in 1994, still considered to be the best book on the subject. The program I'm beginning is all in there. Blessings to all. Sorry to be such a panicky mess.....I'm very frightened.
concernedmom
October 21, 2011
Dear Morgaine---You are doing the right thing in getting off the Adderal. I kept telling the doctor's that it was the medication and it fell on deaf ears. They kept telling me it was my daughter---that shehad problems and not the drug. In my heart I knew it was. My daughter picked every inch of her skin from her scalp to her feet. When she was getting worse and picking to the point that it was leaving holes in her chest and legs it really frightened me. I was so afraid that shewould get mersa or some other sort of infection from the open sores. We tried everything and when those things didn't work I demanded that they stop the medications and bingo---the picking stopped. I tried to see a lawyer and they told me it would be too hard to prove. I think we should write to the drug companies. We did try NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) it's an herb and it controlled some of the picking. http://www.puritan.com/. My daughter's pychiatrist recommended it. My daughter doesn't take it anymore but it did help somewhat if you are still picking it's worth a try. My daughter scarred terribly. She has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome so she scars and it leaves brown marks on her skin. Fortunately after one year we are seeing improvements in her skin and the spots are getting lighter. Having this damage does nothing for your self esteem especially if you are 17 years old. We tried Mederma and I am always looking for something else so if anyone has any ideas please share them with us. Morgaine---Hang in there and just know it takes time but they will heal and begin to fade.
CollegeGal101
December 06, 2011
Hey! I am twenty two and I have been picking my skin for years ( and I'm on adderall big suprise). However, I have to take it because I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I literally can't get out of bed without it. My mom always warned me that if I didn't picking stop I would get Mersa, and that is exactly what happened. I had a hole in my armpit and almost had to have my arm amputated. Luckily, it cleared up after months of antibiotics and constant up keep ( cleaning, antibacterial body wash, manuka honey). However, I still continued to pick at my face; which baffles me at how I could be so stupid. I have had quite a few DEEP scars on my face, so I went to the doctor. I am now using clindamycin face wipes, which is basically an antibacterial solution, but it is strong. That actually helps by clearing up acne if there is any, and preventing infection and more acne. At night, I apply a dime size amount of Retin-A (tretinoin) for scarring. It dries your skin out quite a bit, but the results ( for me at least) are truly shocking. It tightens my skin and the pitted scars have faded and filled in. I also apply Vitamin-E specifically from the gel capsules on the scars to moisturize and minimize the scars. I also recommend taking vitamins such as fish oil. biotin, vitamin C, and lysene. I have also found that I look forward to this routine everyday, which REALLY helps me not pick my skin because it feels clean and looks 75% better. I actually get many compliments on how beautiful my skin is... when in reality I cause damage to my own skin and to my own self-esteem. SO! maybe this could be something that you could look into for your daughter... also I have found that when everything is clean around me I am less likely to pick b/c I don't want to contaminate anything. This has had a major impact on my life but I am still a very happy and fairly normal ( hahaha) person. When I pick I am at my lowest low, but when I don't there is no other feeling in the world like it to wake up and not have to worry about how im gonna cover up my "wounds" before I leave my room. I truly believe that my skin at points would probably horrify even a lot of people on this site, but luckily there are ways to help it heal! I hope this helps and I know things will get better for everyone! Good Luck!
concernedmom
October 21, 2011
Hi Everyone-----Just wanted to let you know that it has been one year since my daugher was weaned off of the Vyvanse and she has not picked since discontinuing the Vyvanse. , She was diagnosed with ADD at age 6 and had no picking issues, I truly believe Adderall caused this issues and two doctors agree with me. I will NEVER ever allow anyone to put my daughter on any kind of stimulant. If you are on any such drug like Adderall or Vyvanse be very careful.
crow74
October 22, 2011
Wow....It never occured to me it could be the Adderall, but I don't guess it is TOO surprising. I am 36 years old and take Adderall for chronic fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis. I've been taking it about two years...probably the amount of time I have caused considerable TRAUMA to my FACE. I have always been a picker...and a little on the OCD side....but nothing that wasn't tolerable. Until this. The past year or so I have been obsessed to the point of hurting not just my health, but my family life, my JOB, social life, and causing serious mental and psychological ANGUISH to myself....omg...the amount of punishment that comes as a result of all of this garbage is surreal. Is it the Adderall? I don't know. But I DO have these behaviors, and I DO take it...so I suppose one could say there is a correlation there. Especially if umpteen other people come forward to say the same thing.... This is....SCARY....
concernedmom
October 23, 2011
@Crow74----More than likely it IS the Adderall. I kept telling the doctors but no one would listen until I met my daughter's last doctor. I would cry with concern every time I saw her body. She is the only doctor I can sit here and say that had my daughter's best interest at heart.Ask to stop temporarily and see if it doesn't stop your picking binges. My daughter has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and ehlers danlos---both of which cause CFS and Fibromyalgia so I can understand what you are going through with MS. And,make sure they wean you off the adderal as it can cause horrific halucinations. (Been there for that as well....) Best of luck to you.
chwityhaha
November 13, 2011
Do not let the doctors tell you adderall isn't to blame because I know it is. I have picked scabs, my scalp, my fingers, my lips, for as long as I can remember (I'm 18) but a few years ago I had to have heart surgery and adderall also raises my heart rate so my surgery was right as summer break started and I went off of adderall for an entire summer. During that time my social anxiety went away, my self esteem was better than its normal low, and to me the most amazing thing I didn't pick anything my skin was completely free of any scabs or sores and my fingers finally looked normal and healthy, and I had ZERO compulsion to pick. Of course when school started back I had to go back on adderall and all my picking came back and went back to where I was. But now that i knew the picking was the adderall talking I asked my doctor what I could do and he didn't really help but I went to a psychiatrist and was told that the obsessive compulsive symptoms could be lessened by taking an antidepressent along with my adderall. This worked, but sadly I had to stop the antidepressant because it interfered with other medications I take for my heart. I am not saying you should try this with your daughter because antidepressants are a dicy affair with children and teenagers but maybe you should ask her doctor about it. And unfortunately I know that whenever i went to the doctor when i was on adderall I didnt advocate for myself and thats why im so glad my mom advocated for me. my thoughts are a little scattered but i hope you can maybe get something out of it, good luck!
chwityhaha
November 13, 2011
oh another thing I have also now stopped taking adderall and i tried vyvanse and that crap can really tear you a new one but have you considered strattera or intuniv for your daughters ADD I have taken strattera and it is the best ADD medication i have ever tried its non stimulant and for me it didnt have any of the old stimulant side effects.

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