What does Vyvanse do to your skin? A comprehensive guide to dermatological side effects

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While dermatological issues are not the most common side effects of Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), case reports and patient experiences indicate a variety of potential skin reactions. These can range from mild rashes and increased sweating to more severe but rare allergic reactions and circulation problems. It's crucial for users to be aware of these possibilities and understand when to consult a healthcare provider.

Quick Summary

Vyvanse can cause dermatological side effects, including allergic reactions like rashes and hives, excessive sweating, and circulation problems affecting the fingers and toes. Patient reports also suggest a potential link to acne breakouts, although this is less officially documented. Severe reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Key Points

Allergic Reactions: Vyvanse can cause mild allergic reactions like rash, itching, and flushing, or in rare cases, severe reactions requiring immediate medical help.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis): Increased sweating is a common side effect of Vyvanse due to its stimulant properties and effect on metabolism.
Circulation Issues (Raynaud's): The medication can cause reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes, leading to skin color changes, numbness, pain, and potentially unexplained wounds.
Acne Breakouts: Anecdotal evidence and a single case report suggest a possible link between Vyvanse and acne, though it is not a widely recognized side effect.
Severe Reactions are Rare but Critical: Severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or angioedema are extremely rare but pose a serious health risk and require immediate emergency care.
Medical Consultation is Key: Any new or worsening skin issues while on Vyvanse should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate management.

Vyvanse's impact on skin

Vyvanse, the brand name for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant prescribed for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and moderate to severe Binge Eating Disorder (BED). While it is effective for its intended uses, like all medications, it carries a risk of side effects. For some individuals, these can manifest as dermatological issues. The connection between Vyvanse and skin problems can range from mild, manageable annoyances to rare but serious health concerns. The primary mechanisms behind these effects involve allergic responses, changes in the circulatory system, and alterations to the body's natural processes like temperature regulation.

Allergic reactions

One of the most concerning potential effects of Vyvanse on the skin is an allergic reaction. While not common, these reactions have been reported in patients taking lisdexamfetamine. They occur because the immune system mistakenly identifies the medication as a harmful substance, triggering an inflammatory response.

Mild allergic reactions: These can include skin rash, itchiness (pruritus), and flushing (temporary redness or warmth of the skin). Mild reactions should still be reported to a doctor, who can determine if the medication should be continued or an alternative prescribed.
Severe allergic reactions: Though rare, serious allergic reactions like angioedema can occur. Symptoms include swelling under the skin, often in the face, lips, tongue, or eyelids, which can cause difficulty breathing and become life-threatening. Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which involve severe blistering and peeling skin, have also been reported. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical help immediately.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)

Another relatively common skin-related side effect of stimulant medications like Vyvanse is hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating. CNS stimulants increase metabolism and heart rate, which can lead to an increase in body temperature. The body's natural response to cool down is to produce more sweat. For many, this is a minor issue, but it can be bothersome or embarrassing. Persistent sweating can also lead to secondary skin problems, such as rashes or fungal infections, especially in skin folds.

Circulation problems and skin changes

Vyvanse can impact circulation, particularly in the extremities. A condition known as Raynaud's phenomenon, which involves reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes, has been associated with stimulant use.

Signs of Raynaud's phenomenon: Symptoms can include the skin on fingers or toes turning pale, blue, or red, and feeling numb, painful, or cold.
Unexplained wounds: In severe cases of impaired circulation, patients may develop unexplained wounds on their fingers or toes. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

Potential link to acne

There is some anecdotal evidence and a case report linking lisdexamfetamine to acne breakouts, though acne is not an officially acknowledged side effect in clinical trials. In one published case study, a patient with ADHD developed acne that did not respond to standard treatment but remitted promptly when Vyvanse was discontinued. The connection may be related to the medication's effect on stress levels or hormonal changes, but more research is needed to understand this relationship fully. For individuals who experience a flare-up of acne after starting Vyvanse, it's worth discussing with a doctor or dermatologist.

Comparison of Vyvanse skin side effects


Skin Condition	Cause	Commonness	Severity	Action	References
Rash/Hives	Allergic reaction	Uncommon	Mild to severe	Report to doctor for mild; seek emergency help for severe (e.g., swelling, breathing issues).
Excessive Sweating	Increased metabolism	Common	Mild to moderate	Manage with antiperspirants, breathable fabrics, and hydration. Discuss with doctor if bothersome.
Raynaud's Phenomenon	Circulation problems	Uncommon	Moderate (can be severe)	Report to doctor, especially if color changes, pain, or wounds appear.
Acne	Anecdotal/unknown	Unconfirmed	Varies	Discuss with dermatologist, especially if conventional treatment is ineffective.
Severe Allergic Reaction	Anaphylaxis, SJS/TEN	Rare	Severe, life-threatening	Seek immediate emergency medical care.

Managing skin-related side effects

If you experience any skin changes while on Vyvanse, your first step should be to consult your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly or change your dosage without medical guidance, as this can lead to other side effects.

For mild rashes or hives: Your doctor may recommend an antihistamine or a topical steroid cream to manage the symptoms. They will also assess if the medication is the cause and decide if a change is needed.
For excessive sweating: Strategies include staying well-hydrated, wearing loose-fitting and breathable clothing, and using clinical-strength antiperspirants. If the issue persists, your doctor might explore other options.
For circulation problems: It's crucial to report any persistent numbness, pain, or color changes in the fingers and toes. Your doctor can evaluate the issue and determine the best course of action, which may involve adjusting the medication or exploring different treatments.

For more information on the full spectrum of Vyvanse side effects, authoritative resources like Drugs.com offer detailed guides.

Conclusion

While Vyvanse is a valuable medication for treating ADHD and BED, it's important to be aware of its potential dermatological side effects. From uncommon but manageable rashes and hives to the more common issue of excessive sweating, the medication can affect the skin in several ways. Rare but serious reactions, including severe allergic responses and circulation problems like Raynaud's phenomenon, also exist and warrant immediate medical attention. Always communicate with your healthcare provider about any skin changes or discomfort you experience while taking Vyvanse to ensure proper management and your overall safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a skin rash is a possible side effect of Vyvanse, often indicating a mild allergic reaction. It's listed as a less common adverse reaction in clinical data. You should contact your doctor if you develop a rash while on the medication.

Yes, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a common side effect of Vyvanse and other stimulant medications. It is often a result of the medication increasing your metabolism and heart rate.

While acne is not an officially acknowledged side effect in clinical trials, some patients have reported developing or experiencing worsened acne after starting Vyvanse. Patient reports and case studies suggest a potential link, but a definitive causal relationship has not been established.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition involving reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes, causing skin color changes, numbness, and pain. It is a reported side effect of Vyvanse, and any signs of circulation problems in the extremities should be reported to your doctor.

You should seek immediate emergency medical help if you experience a severe allergic reaction, which can include swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing. Severe blistering or peeling of the skin also warrants emergency care.

No, severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and angioedema are very rare with Vyvanse. However, because they are life-threatening, it is important to know the signs and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

The first step is to contact your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms, determine if the medication is the cause, and decide on the best course of action. Never stop taking Vyvanse abruptly without consulting your doctor first.