One of the many drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) is Adderall. Adderall may have side effects, just like other ADHD drugs. One of the side effects of consuming it could be the Adderall tongue.
In this post, the idea of Adderall tongue, when to see a doctor, and how to get rid of Adderall tongue will all be covered.
What is Adderall?
The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine is known by the brand name Adderall. It is a prescription stimulant typically used to treat narcolepsy(daytime sleepiness) or ADHD.
By promoting the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and, to a lesser extent, serotonin from their storage sites, Adderall boosts the actions of these molecules in the body(1).
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. It is generally diagnosed in childhood and may continue into adulthood. The condition affects behavior and people with ADHD may show the following symptoms:
- inattention(difficulty in keeping focus);
- hyperactivity ( state of being abnormally active with constant motions such as excessive fidgets, taps, or talks);
- impulsivity (acting without thinking or difficulty with self-control) (2, 3).
Either an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release capsule(Adderall XR) is available for Adderall. It should be taken in the morning because it may disrupt your sleep. A doctor would likely start you off with a low dose of Adderall to make sure you can tolerate it. After that, the dose can be gradually increased.
Before taking Adderall, discuss any pre-existing medical or mental health issues with a doctor. Also, make a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter drugs you use. Adderall may interact with some other medications and either decrease the potency of Adderall or cause serious side effects.
These medications include:
- Antacids
- Certain antipsychotic agents
- cocaine(topical)
- Anti Seizure medications
- Certain antidepressants
- Certain antibiotics e.g. fluoroquinolones (1, 4).
What does Adderall do?
The drug Adderall is one of the different types of medications that can treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
So, if you have ADHD, how does Adderall make you feel? When using Adderall, patients with this disorder frequently experience a sense of enjoying the present time and are able to concentrate for longer periods
Additionally, it helps to regulate problems associated with behavior, enhances listening skills, and promotes organization—all of which are crucial for preventing distractions while working on assignments at home or in the classroom (5).
What are the side effects of Adderall?
Some side effects associated with the use of Adderall in children, adolescents, and adults include the following:
> 10%: Increased systolic blood pressure, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, dry mouth(xerostomia), headache, insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
1% – 10%: Palpitations, sweating, weight loss, decreased libido in adults, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), constipation, diarrhea, dysmenorrhoea, erectile dysfunction, impotence, infections, agitation, anxiety, depression, drowsiness (6)
What is an Adderall tongue?
An allergic reaction to Adderall may cause the tongue, throat, or cheeks to swell and requires immediate treatment as it is a medical emergency.
Dry mouth, white film on the tongue, clenching of teeth, tongue rawness, soreness, and tongue sucking may present as common oral side effects of Adderall and may be bothersome for most patients. The term “Adderall tongue” describes the multiple side effects of the drug on the tongue. (7, 8).
These side effects do not affect every patient, but for those who find them discomforting, below are insights on how to get rid of Adderall tongue
How To Get Rid of Adderall Tongue?
If you consider getting rid of Adderall tongue, there are several options you can try to ease your Adderall tongue discomfort. Below are insights on a few of them:
Drink water
The dry mouth brought on by Adderall tongue can be relieved by drinking water and staying hydrated. Dehydration may contribute to dry mouth, according to studies. You can address mild dehydration by drinking more water (9).
Avoid caffeine
Drinks with caffeine can cause dehydration. Caffeinated coffee and tea consumption can exacerbate the symptoms of Adderall tongue by causing dry mouth (10).
Limit your alcohol intake
Limit your alcohol intake because it can dehydrate you and cause dry mouth. If you have a dry mouth from taking Adderall, try drinking water rather than alcohol. Interestingly, drinking alcohol hasn’t been linked to an increased risk.
However, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, drinking alcohol while taking Adderall may decrease the benefit of the drug, thereby worsening your condition and increasing the adverse effects of the medication such as sedation.
Avoid smoking
Tobacco use might dehydrate you as well. Dry mouth problems could be lessened by cutting back or stopping. Smoking exacerbates problems with dry mouth (11).
Try sugar-free gum and treats
The tongue from Adderall may be temporarily relieved by sucking on sugar-free candy. Cough drops, lozenges, and other candies are examples of such items. Gum without sugar might help relieve dry mouth. Additionally, some gums include xylitol, which promotes salivation.
Avoid mouth breathing
Avoid mouth breathing if you have an Adderall tongue because it might exacerbate dry mouth and worsen other oral health issues. If you have any discomfort from dry mouth, try breathing more frequently through your nose than your mouth.
Natural remedies
You can try methods such as a salt-water rinse, hydrogen peroxide rinse, baking soda rinse or tee tree oil rinse (12).
Avoid spicy foods
These kinds of meals have the potential to irritate and worsen the illness. So, do your best to stay away from them.
How soon after your condition should you visit a doctor?
Seek quick medical assistance if the issue persists or if you have any other dangerous symptoms. It’s critical to see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience Adderall tongue since it may indicate a more serious underlying problem.
Summary
There are ways to get rid of Adderall tongue, which is a common adverse effect of the drug. Make sure you drink lots of fluids and frequently rinse your mouth with water if you have this adverse effect.
To help get rid of any accumulated material, you can also clean your teeth and use a tongue scraper. Consult your doctor about further options if these treatments don’t work.
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