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Suggest Treatment For Red And Swollen Ears And Anxiety
Question: Hello, I am a 29 year old female who weighs 100 pounds and I am prescribed to adderall for ADHD. I have been on it for some time now and have never had any severe side effects. However, 2 years ago I began Law School and every time midterms or finals come around I notice both of my ears become extremely swollen, red, hot to the touch, itchy and painful. I am wondering if the stress of finals is reacting to the adderall? Or perhaps the adrenaline from test anxiety is reacting with the adderall? That being said, typically I would not mind due to the infrequency of occurrences. However, it is severely uncomfortable and head phones are needed for study purposes. I am not sure what to do? I do know that having ADHD and attending Law School is already quite the quandary, that being said, I need to stay calm, cool and collected to study efficiently and frequently. Thus my fear of not taking my medication. Any help would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It is likely that this is an anxiety reaction. Adderall is a stimulant and can worsen anxiety, so I would indeed be cautious about this medication in these circumstances. I would consider talking to your doctor about a different stimulant, perhaps an extended release version like Vyvanse that has fewer ups and downs but still helps with concentration. You might also try a couple weeks off the medication entirely and see if this reaction goes away, which would give us more data.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It is likely that this is an anxiety reaction. Adderall is a stimulant and can worsen anxiety, so I would indeed be cautious about this medication in these circumstances. I would consider talking to your doctor about a different stimulant, perhaps an extended release version like Vyvanse that has fewer ups and downs but still helps with concentration. You might also try a couple weeks off the medication entirely and see if this reaction goes away, which would give us more data.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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