Adderall Tongue: What Is It And How To Get Rid Of It

Adderall is a stimulant medication that belongs to the dextroamphetamine drug class. Its primary function is to increase neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system (CNS).

As a result of its function, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels are increased in the CNS, rendering it an efficient medication for treating ADHD and sometimes narcolepsy.

However, some people who are prescribed this stimulant drug experience adverse side effects of Adderall, such as increased heart rate, loss of appetite, and occasionally allergic reactions.

One of these adverse side effects is known as ‘Adderall tongue’, a symptom of using Adderall marked by swelling of the tongue, mouth ulcers, excess saliva production, and more.

What Causes Adderall Tongue?

The primary cause of experiencing symptoms of Adderall tongue is due to the nature of the ingredients used to produce Adderall.

Research has shown that methylphenidate and amphetamine can cause dry mouth, for instance.

In some circumstances, Adderall causes people with ADHD to experience increased impulsivity and fidgeting, as their hormonal balance may be adversely affected by the drug.

When ADHD symptoms are worsened, people using Adderall can find themselves tongue-sucking, teeth grinding, or performing other oral tics without knowing it.

This can cause dry mouth, soreness of the tongue, dehydration, and other adverse effects.

How To Get Rid Of Adderall Tongue

Staying hydrated is one of the best methods of treatment for Adderall tongue, as the unknowing tics and symptoms caused by over-agitation deplete your mouth of its natural saliva reserves.

Additionally, over-the-counter sprays, gels, and lozenges can create artificial saliva to mitigate Adderall’s mouth-drying effects.

Avoiding tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol can also be effective methods of treatment, as the first two cause increased blood pressure and heart rate while also drying out the mouth.

Can Adderall Tongue Be Permanent?

Luckily, Adderall tongue is not permanent. It can be treated with over-the-counter artificial saliva medications, drinking water, switching medications for ADHD treatment, and more.

Other Ways Adderall Use Affects The Body

Adderall can cause a host of physical and psychological side effects, ranging from unpleasant to serious — and occasionally requiring medical emergency treatment.

Common side effects of using Adderall include:

• weight loss
• high blood pressure and hypertension
• insomnia
• increased anxiety and depression
• nausea
• dry mouth
• headache
• dizziness
• stomach problems

Treatment Options For Adderall Addiction

Fortunately, there are a number of addiction treatment programs and services available to treat Adderall addiction and other substance use disorders (SUDs).

Rehab programs and services for treating Adderall addiction include:

• inpatient and outpatient programs
• detox
• medication-assisted treatment
• evidence-based therapeutic programs
• individual and group counseling
• partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• telehealth services
• intensive inpatient programs
• family services
• educational and vocational programs
• holistic, faith-based, and alternative treatment programs

Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is in search of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, give Bedrock’s free helpline a call today to learn about our accredited rehab center.