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oneluckymom , 11 Oct 2011

medication induced skin picking

Does anyone know if taking adderall XR can cause skin picking? Has anyone started picking after taking a certain medication?
11 Answers
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Dr. Ted Grossbart
October 11, 2011
This is something I see often. With a few people it helps, with many it starts or increases picking. Ted A. Grossbart, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
oneluckymom
October 13, 2011
Thank you again. Another question if you don't mind. Its been about a year since my 16 year old daughter started adderall xr 20 mg in the morn and 10mg xr at noon. She started picking her skin (face, chest back upper arms and shoulders) shortly after starting the adderall. I have been told that the only way to tell if the medication is causing the condition would be to stop the medication. Do you have any idea how long it would take for the adderall to completley leave her system?
Dr. Ted Grossbart
October 15, 2011
Ted A. Grossbart, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Check package insert, pharmacist, or google on the half-life. They calculate how long it takes for half to leave the system because the second half can trail on for a bit. Doubling that half-life figure is a good rough estimate.
caitlinc27
October 18, 2011
I've always picked my arms and legs and I've been adderall 30mg for 7 years now and it's been getting worse. I stopped taking it for 6 months at the beginning of the year and it was dramatically better :( on it again and the picking is really bad.
neice
October 25, 2011
My 85 year old aunt started scratching her skin and pickingat the scabs about 6 months ago. It is now extreme with hugh open sores on many parts of her body. No previous history of any type of compulsive behavior. Aunt is confined to wheelchair due to a stroke 5 years ago. Generally positive about her situation and has good at home care. How common is it for this to develop in the elderly? She had been on 20 mg for mild depression for about one year before this started. Dr. has now switched her to 60 mg Cymbalta. Does this seem like the right medication?
Dr. Ted Grossbart
October 25, 2011
Ted A. Grossbart, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, The problem can start at any time. In general meds don't work for the picking, may for the depression. She needs treatment with someone who specializes in the disorder. tg

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