Are You Showing Signs Of Adderall Tongue? Here's How to Get Rid of Them
Are you experiencing a dry mouth and soreness of the tongue after taking your prescription Adderall? Is your medication causing a white film to develop on your tongue that is too difficult to wipe off? If yes, you might be suffering from Adderall tongue, a common side effect of taking the central nervous system stimulant, Adderall.
Let's discuss this phenomenon and discover the best way to deal with this bothersome situation.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand/trade name for a combination drug composed of equal parts of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. This drug increases the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals present in the brain. The conditions treated are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy.
A study shows that between 75 percent and 80 percent of children with ADHD will experience improvement in symptoms following the use of Adderall. With this statistic, it is easy to appreciate why this medication is considered the first-line treatment for ADHD, causing an improvement in focus and attention span, and has even been shown to control behavior problems in children.
What Is Adderall Tongue?
"Adderall tongue" is not a medical condition but is often used to describe the combination of mouth and tongue problems that individuals have when they are using Adderall. It is not an official diagnosis, but it is very real for those who experience it. [1]
Some people call it "Adderall dry mouth" or "Adderall cottonmouth." Others describe their tongue as feeling like it has been sunburned. While some describe it as dry, rough, or uncomfortable. [2]
Even though there is no scientific study solely on Adderall tongue, many people suffer from the same symptoms. It can be minor for one but quite painful for another.
Is Adderall Tongue Painful?
Adderall tongue can feel different for everyone. Dry mouth and tongue are all some people may experience. Others may experience pain, swelling, tenderness, even sores and ulcers. It can differ from one person to another in terms of severity, but can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
Is There Anything That Can Neutralize Adderall?
If you have ever asked yourself, "what neutralizes ADHD medication?" you would be surprised to know that food containing Vitamin C or your orange juice counteracts Adderall by preventing its absorption.
Why Adderall Intake is Closely Monitored by Your Doctor
The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has labeled Adderall as a Schedule II drug. In layman's terms, this means patients treated with Adderall may become dependent on this medication and that this drug is a part of a family of drugs with a high potential for misuse and abuse. This is why prescriptions of this drug are closely monitored, and physicians are extremely particular when prescribing the needed dose.
Oral Symptoms Associated With Adderall Tongue
Adderall tongue is considered a medical emergency that can be very dangerous if left untreated. The following are oral side effects associated with the use of Adderall:
1. Dry mouth: Also known as xerostomia, studies have shown evidence of this troublesome condition from a decrease in saliva production in patients who take Adderall. It is during this time that effective cleaning using a smart toothbrush is imperative to avoid tooth decay following dryness of the oral cavity;
2. Swelling of the tongue: The swelling of the tongue may be accompanied by swelling of the face and throat as well;
3. Soreness of the tongue: The tongue may feel raw and sensitive to hot and spicy food;
4. White film on the tongue: this film is difficult to scrape off, unlike the white film that develops on the tongue after a fungal infection;
5. Bruxism: Bruxism is the medical term for clenching and grinding the teeth. This results in a loss of tooth structure, leading to wear facets and sensitivity;
Other Side Effects of Taking Adderall
Usually, if you follow your doctor's prescription, you are unlikely to experience the adverse side effects of Adderall. Some of these potentially fatal side effects include:
1. Hypertension or high blood pressure
2. Heart problems, such as stroke, heart attack, sudden cardiac death
4. Difficulty in breathing
5. Chest pains
6. Insomnia or difficulty in sleeping
7. Muscle weakness
8. Seizures
9. Stroke
How to Get Rid of Adderall Tongue
Adderall tongue can be uncomfortable, but it can be managed and relieved. This is what you can do:
1. Stay Hydrated
- Hydrate with plenty of water throughout the day—at least 6 to 8 glasses.
- Have small amounts of water regularly instead of one large drink. This keeps your mouth moist for longer.
- Use electrolyte-containing beverages if you are sweating profusely since Adderall causes dehydration.
- Avoid drinks that tend to dry you out such as coffee, tea, alcohol, and sodas.
2. Increase Saliva Production
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy—the xylitol-based option is ideal because it stimulates saliva and prevents your teeth from forming cavities. [3]
3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
- A good electric toothbrush like the Oclean Flow Sonic Toothbrush can also remove plaque and freshen breath.
- An alcohol-free mouthwash is best because mouthwashes containing alcohol dry out the mouth even more.
- Brush at least twice daily and once nightly with fluoride toothpaste.
- Scrape your tongue gently to clean off bacteria and any dryness-caused white coating.
4. Adjust Your Diet
- Avoid spicy and acidic foods like citrus fruits, vinegar, and hot peppers because they can inflame your dry tongue and mouth.
- Eat foods with high water content such as cucumbers, melons, oranges, and celery to moisturize your mouth.
5. Adopt Lifestyle Modifications
- Stop smoking and avoid vaping and tobacco chewing because they dry out the mouth and increase the risk of infection in the mouth.
- Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to avoid dryness. If you're having trouble, speak with your physician about the potential for congestion issues.
6. Manage Sores and Irritation
- Try saltwater rinses—dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 20 seconds, and then spit it out. This reduces irritation and stimulates healing.
Experiencing any side effects associated with Adderall usage warrants an immediate consultation with a medical practitioner.
Is Adderall Tongue Dangerous?
Adderall tongue is usually not dangerous but is uncomfortable and frustrating. If left untreated, it can lead to mouth sores, gum disease, and tooth decay due to the lack of saliva. A dry mouth allows bacteria to flourish, which causes bad breath and tooth decay.
However, it is normally managed with minimal lifestyle modifications. More water consumption, good oral care, and avoiding irritating foods can help.
How Long Does Adderall Tongue Last?
Adderall tongue goes away for some people within weeks as their bodies become accustomed to the drug. Others have a dry mouth for as long as they are on Adderall but with different levels of severity.
If your symptoms do not go away or worsen, try using other remedies like staying hydrated, using saliva substitutes, and following good oral health practices. If that doesn't work, discuss with your physician about potential solutions or other medication options.
Caring For Your Teeth When You Have Dry Mouth from Adderall Tongue
Xerostomia imparts an irritating feeling in the oral cavity, causing difficulty in speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Saliva contains useful natural antimicrobials which fight against resident bacteria and flushes away food debris and decay-causing microorganisms. The absence of this natural lubricant means your teeth are more susceptible to dental caries and a frantic visit to the dentist.
During this time, oral hygiene maintenance is of utmost importance. To make brushing teeth more effective, electric toothbrushes are often recommended. Oclean's Smart electric sonic toothbrushes remove plaque around teeth more efficiently than manual toothbrushes and are a practical way to improve focus during brushing.
Reference
1. What to Know about Adderall Tongue.” Verywell Mind, www.verywellmind.com/adderall-tongue-symptoms-prevention-treatment-6363402.
2. Rees, Mathieu. “What Effects Can Adderall Have on the Mouth and Tongue?” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 9 Sept. 2021, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-adderall-tongue.
3. Drugs.com. “How Do You Get Rid of Adderall Tongue?” Drugs.com, 2024, www.drugs.com/medical-answers/you-rid-adderall-tongue-3572264/. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
