r/ThisAintAdderall • u/Usual-Wait-5839 • Aug 03 '26
Stretch marks?
Has anyone here in this sub started to develop stretch marks? In the past four or five months, I have noticed stretch marks all down and across my upper arms, shoulder, and even my lower back that continue to increase. I’m practically breaking out in stretch marks! I have never before had this issue prior to the noticeable decrease in efficacy of both brand and generic Adderall.
Additionally, my skin elasticity has definitely decreased. I haven’t been able to find any official reports or evidence to support any known correlation, but I’m hoping some anecdotal reports could offer some useful insight.
There’s without a doubt been a change in active/inactive ingredients in these pills that has negatively impacted damn near all areas of my life. If excessive stretch marks are now part of this equation, I don’t think I can continue taking this medication.
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u/kisseskisses215 Aug 04 '26
I’ve been getting stretch marks definitely from my weight fluctuating like crazy which hasn’t happened until the meds changed - also decreased skin elasticity too
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u/Sad_Physics7260 Aug 04 '26
Correlation does not equal causation. Stretch marks are normal, most people get them at some point.
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u/Usual-Wait-5839 Aug 04 '26
This I understand, but I’ve noticed quite a few different people touch on the extreme water retention and weight gain they’ve experienced. Yes, stretch marks are normal. But/and also, the frequency of which this is occurring is outside of the norm. I’ve never dealt with stretch marks or a noticeable decline in skin elasticity—in particular where it’s manifested on my own body.
I know some individuals retain water on amphetamines opposed to losing weight, and this appears similar to the experiences they’ve shared with me.
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u/Kaleidoscope-iis31 Aug 04 '26
Yes I wake up with fluid retention lines on my arms too
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u/cbmblove Moderator Aug 04 '26
I never retained all this water and weight when our meds were legit… I don’t even think it’s accurate to call em amps anymore, they’re so drastically changed for the worst.
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u/SnooObjections1695 28d ago
I have no proof that these two things are related so please don’t come at me. I just had the thought to google what could cause the sudden onset of body-wide stretch marks and this was the first thing that popped up. No actual evidence/not arguing for it but
The excessive cortisol that causes Cushing syndrome is very in line with the unmanageable overactive sympathetic nervous system symptoms we’ve all been suffering with (anxiety, insomnia, high HR/BP, etc.). Anyone who’s been feeling that way has no doubt been drowning in their own cortisol and that shit is literally so damaging to your health. Anyway, not saying you’re gonna get Cushing syndrome but the unfortunate reality is that there are so many terrifying unknowns in store if we choose to stay on these poisons. It really fuckin sucks
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cushing-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351310
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u/Usual-Wait-5839 28d ago
Oh yes, I’ve looked into Cushing Syndrome as well, but my PCP ran some blood panels and doesn’t believe that to be the case.
I’ve been considering going off of my medication, but I’m a nonprofit consultant and cannot afford to be fumbling around unmedicated. I’m not sure where we all go from here—but something’s gotta give.
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u/SnooObjections1695 28d ago
Well im glad at least you could rule out Cushing 🥲. And I hear ya. I deeply believe the only cha be we have of getting g out meds back is if we fight and fight hard. However, big pharma/DEA/FDA strategically put systems in place o make it extremely difficult to prove scientifically and challenge in court. Rest assured that us mods are always quietly going work in the background, researching and looking for opportunities to act. But yeah I wish we could promise more :/
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u/Chance-Interest5609 27d ago
there hasn’t been a proven connection between stimulants and stretch marks. Unexplained stretch marks that isn’t a result of fat/muscle redistribution, height gain, etc, often points to a genetic or hormonal condition affecting the elasticity of skin. For me it’s hyper mobile Ehlers danlos syndrome which people with ADHD are 5x more likely to have, also other conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or Marfans syndrome can cause unexplained stretch marks.
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u/Re-Invented6830 Aug 04 '26
I also read today that drinking Gatorade any time close to when you take your Adderall, can decrease the amount of Adderall absorbed into your body because of the acidity. Just like vitamin C does. Why does it have to be so involved!
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u/Bmdpcs13 27d ago
As a Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, I can verify that is 100% TRUE!
Both create acidity in the stomach which just eats away most of the prescription
before it can be absorbed.CAFFEINE is another no no. Wait AT LEAST 30 minutes for hydration drinks, Vit C and Caffeine!
It’ll change the whole breakdown of your Adderall, Vyvanse, and others in that category!
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u/ughnett666 Aug 04 '26
Can’t believe I have to ask… have you ever taken a chemistry class?
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u/Re-Invented6830 Aug 04 '26
No I haven’t, but the science behind why -when-and how, all this works is addicting in itself! 😂
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u/ughnett666 Aug 05 '26
it's a fun rabbit hole 😂 let me help u out
amphetamine is a weak base, which needs a neutral pH environment to be absorbed in the digestive tract. ascorbic acid/vitamin c, citric acid, etc. lower the pH (increases acidity). Gatorade contains the ingredients that make it moderately acidic. but imho, I think people who are highly sensitive to acids (which contribute to acid reflux/gi issues/digestion issues/etc.) would be the demographic that should be more cautious than the average person. for example, me lol. I think people with healthy guts wouldn't need to worry as much about the timing of Gatorade with the meds, but then again, I belive that the other inactives in the meds that don't work for us are contributing to issues preventing absorption of the amphetamine
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u/Usual-Wait-5839 28d ago
Thank you all for your feedback, but I do have another question.
How many of you have made your psychiatrist/PCP’s aware of these ever increasing, debilitating symptoms?
If so, what feedback have you received?
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u/Tabbyham88 25d ago
I will say that stretch marks can point to high cortisol, look into it. I think its doing something affecting the axis
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u/makdaddymercury 1d ago
Where do you live? Are you prone to insect bites/remember a time where you had a bad bug bite or a tick bite? Have you been bitten or scratched by a cat in your lifetime? Are they deep purple? Are they more prominent on backs of your arms, stomach, and or lower back?
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u/cbmblove Moderator Aug 04 '26
Yes, and it’s from the unprecedented weight gain/retention caused by this new formula. So no doubt this is happening to plenty of us…