Adderall is a combination medication made of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that’s commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall belongs to a drug class called stimulants, which can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity for longer periods, and control behavioral problems like impulses. Adderall can also help you stay organized and improve listening skills, which is why it’s effective in treating ADHD. However, like other stimulants, Adderall can also produce some adverse side effects, like dry mouth and mouth sores. Our Massachusetts Clearbrook center is sharing more on Adderall and mouth side effects that you should know about if you’ve been prescribed this medication or may begin using it.
Why Does Adderall Make My Mouth Dry?
Although most people are aware that stimulants like Adderall can produce undesired side effects, many are not familiar with “Adderall dry mouth”. People who take stimulants may experience some teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), which can cause drug mouth (xerostomia). While not everyone experiences dry mouth from Adderall, those who do can find it extremely bothersome and uncomfortable. Additionally, because so many people are unaware that this could occur, they may not know how to cure dry mouth from Adderall.
But why does this happen? Adderall makes your mouth dry because amphetamines cause dehydration, which can impact how much saliva you produce. Saliva is secreted by four pairs of glands located between the ear and jaw, under the tongue, and under the jaw. Saliva helps with digestion, helps to repair early tooth damage, and keeps your mouth moist and comfortable. Because amphetamines cause dehydration, the body struggles to produce the right amount of saliva, causing dry mouth. This is also a reason why meth users (methamphetamine being a stimulant) suffer from a condition called meth mouth, which refers to sores, tooth decay, and other problems with oral health. Despite these issues, however, meth users usually need to receive meth treatment to be able to quit.
Common Adderall Mouth Side Effects
Adderall mouth sores and other problems may simply occur because you’re not producing enough saliva. Some common effects of Adderall and dry mouth include:
- Increased sensitivity to hot food and drinks
- Increased sensitivity to sweets
- Increased accumulation of plaque
- White spots on tooth enamel
- Tooth decay
- Dry lips
- Mouth sores
- Swollen tongue or tongue sores
- Inflammation and crusting of the corners of the mouth
- Gum irritations
- Painful or burning mouth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Altered sense of taste
If you’ve experienced Adderall and tongue sores, dry mouth, or other similar problems, speak to your doctor right away. On another note, Adderall abuse is becoming more common among teens and young adults. While many misuse it to improve their performance at school or work, others abuse it for its desired energetic and euphoric side effects. If you’re misusing Adderall, dry mouth is the least of your worries. Drug addiction can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health, affecting your relationships, career, and finances. Those addicted to Adderall can regain their health and sobriety with the help of our prescription drug addiction treatment.
How to Get Rid of “Adderall Tongue”?
Whether it’s “Adderall swollen tongue” or any other of its oral side effects, you probably want to find the best and quickest solution to get rid of it. Below are some simple examples of how to cure dry mouth from Adderall that can help.
- Use artificial saliva products (like sprays) that can help moisten the tissue and lessen the discomfort of dry mouth. Many of these sprays are available over-the-counter. Remember to only use them as recommended.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy to increase salivary flow.
- Apply fluoride regularly through your dentist or by prescription. This will help strengthen enamel, keep bacteria from multiplying, and decrease the bacteria’s ability to stick to your teeth.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes or tobacco products.
- Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, including any from soda, energy drinks, or
- Avoid using mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
- Put a humidifier in your room, which is especially helpful for people who sleep with their mouths open.
- Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth as often as possible.
- Speak to your doctor about changing your medication or the dose of Adderall that you take.
More and more people are also abusing Adderall and other stimulants, which can lead to dangerous side effects like tolerance and addiction. Stimulants, even the ones that are prescribed, have a potential for abuse. Long-term use of illicit stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine are also known for producing cardiovascular disease. If you have a drug problem related to either prescription or street drugs, Clearbrook Treatment Centers can help. Call us at 570-536-9621 to learn more about our drug and alcohol treatment in Massachusetts.
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