Since I started taking stimulants I look like I had aged quite a few years (I just started a couple month ago) !

I got much more wrinkles around my eye area and forehead!
This makes me really uncomfortable because, as I mentioned, I just started recently! That means if it goes THAT fast, I will look 20 years older in 5 years and so..

I don't know if one of the reason might be the dehydration caused by stimulants ??

But what is it exactly that caused this dehydration :confused:

I mean what exactly do the chemicals (methylphenidate) in your body that you become dehydrated ??

I'm dying for an answer, because I have no clue.

Thanks a lot in advice for any advice or info.

They increase your body temperature, make you sweat more, and may suppress feelings of thirst. But wrinkles aren't due to dehydration, they're due to glycation... which I'm not sure if a stimulant or the indirectly released epinephrine effects. Keep in mind n=1 here so the possibility exists you would've gotten these regardless.

Actually the skin can wrinkle if you are dehydrated, not as permanent cause, but the elasticity in the skin changes according to how hydrated you are. Stimulant as the previous poster said change body temp, make you sweat, but also increase over all metabolism, which dehydrates more quickly.
Stress also has an aging effect.

Keep up on your fluids, at least 64oz a day of water. If your nails are brittle, hair is looking a little like hay, skin is dry, then you definitely have some dehydration going on.

i definately agree w/almost all of what was posted, except the suppression of thirst. Stimulants of any nature i.e. caffiene, nicotine, amphetamine etc, are all diuretics, meaning basically that they pull sodium from body tissues and where sodium goes, water follows so it removes bodily fluids, making u pee a lot, which therefore causes dehydration. when dehydration occurs, ur body's response is to fix that, therefore boosting your sense of thirst. it also causes a loss in skin turgor (elasticity) resulting in wrinkling. a good way to check is pinch a piece of skin on ur hand and when u let it go, the skin should return to normal in less than three seconds. if the skin still shows signs of the wrinkling in three or more seconds, ur definately dehydrated. also.. if ur urine is darker and has a more prominent odor u are dehydrated, drink lots of fluids (not pop.. caffiene = diuretic) and limit salt intake and u should be able to maintain your health on stimulant meds. hope i could help at all :D

That's helpful information. Thank you!

But why should you reduce your salt intake
limit salt intake if stimulants
pull sodium from body tissues ?

Isn't sodium good in order to store water under your skin?
My skin looks fuller (=younger! even though my eyes look puffy)..

So you don't think the drug itself meaning the chemicals could make you (visually) age faster?

i have the opposite issue been on amphetamines since age 4 (well a few years were on ritalin and stopped taking in high school-denial) and I am 25 and look 18 don't grow a beard and I can't wait to look older

Until 25 I also looked like 18 and then all of a sudden I aged pretty fast.. That's why I thought the ADHD drugs could be the reason?

Can't you compare these drugs to cigarettes/nicotin as they both cause dehydration ?

Smoker age sooner (especially look wise)- can't you say the same about methylphenidate/amphetamines then :confused:

I've had problems with dry skin on my hands especially. I've been taking stimulants for about a year, and I've had the skin problems for at least six months. It drives me nuts. I've had to start using rubber gloves if I do any kind of heavy work, or my hands will get cuts. I try moisturizer cream, but that only provides temporary relief.

Is it likely to be the stimulants? (I've been on both Adderall and various forms of methylphenidate, currently on Adderall) If so, is it really a simple matter of drinking more
water to fix it? I've tried drinking more, but it isn't always easy and I so far haven't been able to tell if helps.

I think as far as looking very young until 25 or so and suddenly looking older -- I think that may be a pretty normal thing. I wasn't taking stimulents (or any other medication) back then and I looked 18 until 25 or later, but when the changes come they often come quickly. Mid to late 20's seems to be one of those times and some does 40 years of age. Water definately helps but something I also found that helped me was Omega III fatty acids. I was taking them to see if my brain worked better (I couldn't tell a difference for sure -- but there is no down side to taking them) but my skin got much nicer. Might give that a try. Exercise also helps.

Scattered

Don't forget sun damage to skin occurs when we are very young, but may not show up until later. Again, genetics play a big part in how we age.

Don't forget sun damage to skin occurs when we are very young, but may not show up until later. Again, genetics play a big part in how we age.Definately the biggest factor in aging skin (besides smoking). I think it takes about 10 or so years for the damage you've done to show up too.

Scattered

I've had problems with dry skin on my hands especially. I've been taking stimulants for about a year, and I've had the skin problems for at least six months. It drives me nuts. I've had to start using rubber gloves if I do any kind of heavy work, or my hands will get cuts. I try moisturizer cream, but that only provides temporary relief.

Is it likely to be the stimulants? (I've been on both Adderall and various forms of methylphenidate, currently on Adderall) If so, is it really a simple matter of drinking more
water to fix it? I've tried drinking more, but it isn't always easy and I so far haven't been able to tell if helps.I am not saying this is true in your case, because I do not know, but the underlying reason behind my "dry skin" was found to be an allergic reaction to fragrances in soaps, etc. Worse, the fragrances in hand lotions I used to treat it simply exacerbated the problem. Anyway, point being, if you're well hydrated perhaps it's something you can bring up with your doctor, or test yourself.

I tend to get dry skin too, and have felt more dehydrated since beginning medication. I do try to drink more water, but was already drinking about 3-4 liters of water a day, I don't want to turn into a lake! :eek: hehehe

I just remembered, flaxseed oil is supposed to help hydrate. When I had LASIK, the doctor told me to take it because it hydrates and eyes can get dry after that surgery. I'll have to start taking that again now that I remember, maybe it'll help!

As for making sure not to have too much sodium it does more to dehydrate than help with hydration.

Eating foods high in water, but low in sodium should help.

You have to be careful on the face, for not clogging pores, but there are a lot of cremes and lotions that work really well. Body butters hydrate the skin well, also Elizabeth Grady has a lemon creme that hydrates really well and doesn't clog pores. They have a website where you can order online. These are just superficial, and don't hydrate from within, but will help with the skin surface.

Like someone else said, a sign of dehydration is urine that is darker in color and higher in odor. (Gross, I know) It should be pretty much clear and odorless and you should have to go about every 2 hours or so if you are properly hydrated.

I would talk to your doctor especially since you just started taking your meds a couple of months ago. I have been taking mine for almost 11 years, I am 34 and I still get carded when I buy cigarettes. Oh, and I am a smoker. Not a heavy smoker (3-5 cigs a day) but I think genetics has a lot to do with how we age.

sorry it took so long to reply...
i know what i wrote looked contradictory, but like i said, the stimulants are diuretics which draw sodium (SALT) out of the tissues because it brings the water with it, if you just load up on salt and water, all that water will just leave the body with the salt. however, this doesnt mean that ur body will lose all of its salt... just most of its water, which is what happens when u become dehydrated. and to make it even more confusing (this was my least favorite section of my nsg program ;) ) as ur body loses more fluids you actually become hypernatremic (high sodium) because ur sodium levels are so concentrated from a lack of fluids. i found a website that might make it a little easier to understand, im not the best teacher lol... hope it helps.. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec12/ch158/ch158b.html
hope i could help

Yes, the information did help :) ! Thank you!

I always got the feeling that me skin looks fuller and therefore less "wrinkly" after I ate high sodium food the night/day before.
But I guess (after I read your info) that this state only lasts until the stimulants withdraw the sodium and water. Right ;) ?

I have another theory (your info weren't a theory of course but facts):

Could it be that the stimulants make you age sooner/look older because they provide more noradrenaline (dopamine becomes noradrenaline..) and noradrenaline is the same neurotransmitter that stress/distress causes to be very "active". And distress does make you age sooner, that's proven.

My verbalization isn't the best, but you know what I mean.

What do you think? Does that make sense?

Stimulants decrease my stress.

Katy, could you show us where you got the information about stimulants causing aging so we can see what you're looking at?

@Imnapl:

I look in the mirror and aged years since I started taking stimulants on a daily basis which is only a few months ago. Every one asks me what happened to me because it's such a big difference (how my face looks now compared to a couple months ago). Believe it or not. I guess it's because the drug dehydrated me and doesn't really let me sleep anymore.
However I thought besides the lack of sleep and dehydration the drug itself might make you age sooner like cigarettes usually do (there are always exceptions, lucky people)

I've had problems with dry skin on my hands especially. I've been taking stimulants for about a year, and I've had the skin problems for at least six months. It drives me nuts. I've had to start using rubber gloves if I do any kind of heavy work, or my hands will get cuts. I try moisturizer cream, but that only provides temporary relief.

Is it likely to be the stimulants? (I've been on both Adderall and various forms of methylphenidate, currently on Adderall) If so, is it really a simple matter of drinking more
water to fix it? I've tried drinking more, but it isn't always easy and I so far haven't been able to tell if helps.
I have the same problem too! Are you taking antidepressants, esp the SSRI's? My skin is much better since stopping the Zoloft. (don't stop on your own.) I am using the more expensive creams my pharmacist recommended-can't remember, will post when I do. :o Do you pick at your hands and feet all the time? My rate is down about 90%!!!

Sometimes aging is genetic. How gracefully do others in your fam age? We have good skin genetics in my fam. It sure does my ego good when people think I am in my late 30's-early 40's. AARP wants me. My parents and sibs look young too.

Other possible causes
Do you smoke? What is your stress level. I really look older when highly stressed. Once the stress is gone, I look much better. Do you eat a reasonably healthy diet? There are so many variables. Have you gained or lost more than 10 pounds? Take a look at the big picture. It just might give you some more clues.

Noradrenaline is the same neurotransmitter that stress/distress causes to be very "active". And distress does make you age sooner, that's proven.Probably all the worrying you are doing about all the possible side effects of stimulants is more harmful and stressful to you than any of the ADD medications you are taking!

The whole point of treating ADD is to make you happier, healthier, and more productive in life! Right??? :)

From reading many of your posts Katy, you seem to be having a lot of problems dealing with ADD-related "Worry"! Have you ever read the book "Worry" by Edward M. Hallowell?

I use to worry excessively, and sometimes I still struggle with it! In fact, I use to make myself physically ill worrying about stuff! And it all seemed like valid stuff to be worrying about at the time! However, after reading the book "Worry" I have found that I am better at controlling my worrying just by knowing that it is my ADD brain that makes me want to worry excessively!! I have also found that working thru many of my ADD problems has often involved "Thinking About My Thinking" rather than just finding the right ADD medication. You just may find that this is true for you as well, as time goes on! :)

I hope you read this and were not offended! I'm honestly only trying to help! :)

Take care Katy! :)

@Imnapl:

I look in the mirror and aged years since I started taking stimulants on a daily basis which is only a few months ago. Every one asks me what happened to me because it's such a big difference (how my face looks now compared to a couple months ago). Believe it or not. I guess it's because the drug dehydrated me and doesn't really let me sleep anymore.
However I thought besides the lack of sleep and dehydration the drug itself might make you age sooner like cigarettes usually do (there are always exceptions, lucky people)Katy, I still don't understand how you have made the connection with this sudden aging and stimulant meds. Do you have information about this connection from reliable sources? If not, I would make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible and tell him about what you see in the mirror and what other people have commented about. You could have a serious medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated. Good luck.

By the way, skin aging due to smoking cigarettes takes years, not days. On the other hand, dehydration will make rapid changes in the skin which is why medical professionals check the skin for symptoms.

Seek, re: ADHD worrying. I think ADHDers might worry because it's something to focus on. Meds and positive self-talk really helped me. Doing research is great for easing one's mind, too. :D

Seek, re: ADHD worrying. I think ADHDers might worry because it's something to focus on. Meds and positive self-talk really helped me. Doing research is great for easing one's mind, too. :DYep, exactly! :)

@RADDmom:

Thank you for your ideas. "Bad" genetics, smoking, weight loss is all not the case for me. Also nothing else, besides starting with taking stimulants, has changed in my life.

@§eek:
I use to worry excessively, and sometimes I still struggle with it! In fact, I use to make myself physically ill worrying about stuff! And it all seemed like valid stuff to be worrying about at the time! However, after reading the book "Worry" I have found that I am better at controlling my worrying just by knowing that it is my ADD brain that makes me want to worry excessively!! Thank you for the book suggestion. I think that's very true but at the same time life experiences make you worry, too.
10 years ago I wasn't worrying at all but I didn't make the best experiences and now I can't think like "It will only happen to other people, I won't get seriously ill or whatever" anymore. Especially if I experience what I'm doing right now.
The same is true for me with relationships. 10/15 years ago I trusted people, now is much harder for me because of all the s*** that happen to me.
Sorry, I don't want to sound bitter or anything like that ;)
I will see if I can find the book on Amazon :) Thanks again.

If not, I would make an appointment with a physician as soon as possible and tell him about what you see in the mirror and what other people have commented about. You could have a serious medical condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated. My physician is on vacacion till 8th of August I guess, so I have to wait until then.. But you're right.

I think ADHDers might worry because it's something to focus on. When I read what you wrote, even though I knew exactly what you meant, I kept thinking to myself "Because it's something to focus on." sounds almost as if we (People with ADD) are "choosing" to worry on purpose!

I don't believe you meant it to sound that way, however I thought it might be important to mention that personally I don't believe that the "Searching out of hot topics", or "Worrying" that ADD people do is done intentionally. None of us actually wake up every day and say to ourselves "Hmmmm, what shall I worry about today!", "Oh, I know!", "I'll worry about my health today!" LOL :D

It sounds silly just saying that, does it not? :) Anyway, I just wanted to say that the "Worrying" that ADD people often do is not a conscious choice! It's a symptom of ADD! I just wanted to make sure that I at least mentioned this since I brought the topic up!

I would enjoy discussing this more, but out of respect for Katy and her (This thread's) topic, it would be inappropriate for me to continue on anymore!

I'm sorry Katy! :)

Have a nice day everyone! :)

@§eek:
Thank you for the book suggestion. I think that's very true but at the same time life experiences make you worry, too.
10 years ago I wasn't worrying at all but I didn't make the best experiences and now I can't think like "It will only happen to other people, I won't get seriously ill or whatever" anymore. Especially if I experience what I'm doing right now.
The same is true for me with relationships. 10/15 years ago I trusted people, now is much harder for me because of all the s*** that happen to me.
Sorry, I don't want to sound bitter or anything like that ;)
I will see if I can find the book on Amazon :) Thanks again.:D LOL Hey Katy, we both were posting at the same time! :)

Anyway, You are absolutely correct, life experiences certainly can cause people to worry! And only you could possibly know whether "Worry" was literally robbing you of your life and of your health, or not!

I only wanted to mention it in case you weren't aware that "Worrying" was/is a common problem for many ADD people! :)

Have A Great Day Katy! :)

P.S. Don't worry <--(No Joke intended! LOL :D) you didn't sound bitter to me! :)

@§eek:

Thanks a lot. Very sweet and kind what you wrote. You seem like a very nice and warm person.

PS: Sometimes I wish I were still 21. Life was pretty easygoing back then (even with my ADD brain)..Just enjoying life and not worrying about all that stuff ;)

@§eek:

Thanks a lot. Very sweet and kind what you wrote. You seem like a very nice and warm person. Well, thank you Katy! I really needed to hear that today! :)

You seem like a really nice and kind person to me too! :)

Which to be perfectly honest with you had a lot to do with why I brought up the "worrying" issue with you in the first place! :)

People who are prone to anxiety are almost always exceptionally "nice" people who often will sweep their feelings under the carpet. So when they are unhappy about something, or mad at someone, they don't know it or they might not want to admit it. They insist everything is fine, but develop all the symptoms of anxiety. Such as heart palpitations, dizziness, Irritable bowl syndrome, and a myriad of other physical problems and illnesses.

However, if one can bring the feelings to conscious awareness, and express it, the symptoms often will subside or completely disappear. Which was my reasoning for mentioning it to you in the first place! :) Not only did you seem like an exceptionally "Nice" person, but just like me you also have ADD which tends to make us worry to much, which can wreck havoc on both our physical health and our mental health.

Shoot, if you think about it! People who are meaner than a snake usually live to be 120 years old because they don't hold everything inside and make themselves sick! LMAO :D

Dang it, I keep coming back to the worry thing! LOL :D Now I'm trying to explain why I brought it up to you, after you already said that you don't believe it's an issue for you! LOL :) I'm sorry!!!!!!

Anyway, thank you for your kind remarks! It's nice to know that my initial perceptions of you being a nice and kind person where correct! :)

Have a wonderful evening Katy! :)

No, don't be sorry at all! That was really nice that you suggested this book and I don't think you're completely wrong that I might worry too much. I'll definitely look it up when I'll have some more time!

Stay like you're, you're very sweet and supporting!

Take care :) ,
Katy

No, don't be sorry at all! That was really nice that you suggested this book and I don't think you're completely wrong that I might worry too much. I'll definitely look it up when I'll have some more time!

Stay like you're, you're very sweet and supporting!

Take care :) ,
Katy
Thanks Katy! :)

Well,also on stimulants your muscles are mostly tensed up,which will result in constant muscle contractions,which leads to facial expresions(frown,etc.) and that could cause extra wrinkles around those high stress areas like around eyes,forehead. Friend of mine( 24 yrs old ) has been doing Botox for past 3 yrs,on Adderall since age 4. Her doc actually told her about that and it would not be such a bad idea for prevention of wrinkles. I 've had Botox done also regularly and can say that it does help with prevention of new wrinkles.:rolleyes:

There's another possibility, too:

subcutaneous fat on the face can make the face look more rounded, more "babyface" I guess is the colloquial term. I've noticed that as I've lost weight and put on muscle doing martial arts, where your body can dramatically re-form itself (Master Y and especially Master K really work us hard, they've been doing it for years and know how to turn the body into an efficient killing...err...athletic machine), my face has become more jagged, more "cut" and less like a young boy's. This is certainly not a bad thing, especially since I do tend to carry a lot of my fat on my face (even after dropping 20 pounds, I still had almost the same amount of baby fat on my face), but it is noticeable.

Less subcutaneous fat on the face makes it look more angular, less round, and less plump. This could be interpreted as making you look older, especially since we associate plump faces with youth (as with the term "babyface") and thin, gaunt faces with age. This also might result in some of the skin tightening, and wrinkles could become more pronounced. I myself didn't notice any new wrinkles, but I'm in my mid-20s, so they wouldn't really be expected.

Have you lost a lot of weight?