How do you get rid of Adderall tongue?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 30, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Adderall tongue is a common side effect of Adderall that can detrimentally and seriously affect a person’s quality of life. To help relieve Adderall tongue:

Stay well-hydrated. Adderall and other ADHD medications can cause dehydration, so you need to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid per day
Take frequent sips of water rather than drinking a whole glass of water at once
Use artificial saliva products (such as sprays or lozenges) – these can help moisten the tissue and last longer than water. There are many different brands of these available over the counter at drug stores and they can be used multiple times a day
Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy – these contains xylitol which increases salivary flow and can help prevent dental decay. Avoid sucking candy that contains sugar because this will increase your risk of dental decay
Use toothpaste that contains fluoride and talk to your dentist about applying fluoride regularly. This will help strengthen enamel and protect your teeth from bacteria in your mouth
Clean your teeth twice a day. Use an interdental brush to get in between the gaps in your teeth. Choose alcohol-free mouthwashes. Apply lip balm to your lips.
Use a tongue scrapper if there is a coating on your tongue. Gently scrape your tongue from the back to the front.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods because these can irritate the mouth and cause further dryness
Limit the amount of caffeine you drink in coffee, tea, soda, and energy beverages
Don’t smoke cigarettes, vape, or chew tobacco products
Put a humidifier in your room, especially if you are prone to sleeping with your mouth open
Try to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.

People who have a constantly dry mouth, including those with Adderall tongue, are at increased risk of gum disease and dental decay from the lack of saliva in their mouth. Tell your doctor that you are experiencing Adderall tongue and ask them to check your vitamin B12, vitamin D, and calcium levels because sometimes these can also contribute to dry mouth. Your doctor may consider switching you to a different ADHD medication, although most other ADHD treatments will also cause a dry mouth.

Why does Adderall tongue happen?

The amphetamines contained in Adderall cause a dry mouth and tongue mainly through a direct effect in the brain involving alpha-adrenoceptors. They also cause vasoconstriction of blood vessels which results in a shrinkage of the blood vessels in your gums and less saliva production.

Adderall makes you more likely to sweat. Less water in your body equals less water in your mouth.

What is Adderall tongue?

Adderall tongue is the name given to a cluster of symptoms that affect some people who take Adderall regularly. It may also be called Adderall Cottonmouth or Adderall dry mouth. Symptoms can vary from person to person but the most common symptoms include:

A very dry mouth and tongue
A raw and sore tongue
Altered sense of taste
Bad breath (halitosis)
Burning or painful mouth
Dry lips
Inflammation and crusting of the corners of the mouth
Swelling inside the tongue and mouth
Ulcers or sores on the tongue
Increased plaque build-up
Increased tooth decay
Increased sensitivity to hot food, drinks, and sweets
A white film over the tongue.

In some people, the following symptoms may also occur:

Biting or chewing of the tongue, lips, or inner cheeks
Oral ticks, such as tongue thrusting
Repetitive tongue and mouth movements, often involuntary
Teeth clenching or grinding (this is called bruxism)
Tongue sucking.

One case study reported on a person who bit off small portions of their tongue and lips after taking ADHD medications. Animal studies have also reported compulsive self-licking as a common side effect of ADHD medications.

Adderall tongue may occur temporarily, such as when first starting on Adderall or after a dose increase. But for many people, it persists for the entire time they are using Adderall.

Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts and research has shown that both amphetamines and methylphenidates can cause dry mouth and other mouth and tongue-related symptoms.

References

Adderall Tongue: What Is It And How To Get Rid Of It Bedrock Recovery Center https://bedrockrecoverycenter.com/addiction/adderall/side-effects/tongue/
Clearbrook Treatment Centers. Adderall and Mouth Side Effects. https://www.clearbrookinc.com/news/effects-on-the-mouth-from-adderall/

How long does Adderall last in your system?

When taken as prescribed, the effects of Adderall last for about 4 to 6 hours. The effects of Adderall XR last for up to 12 hours because this brand of Adderall is designed for slow and sustained release. Continue reading

Modafinil (Provigil) vs Adderall: What's the difference?

Modafinil and Adderall are both classified as CNS stimulants but have different chemical structures, which means there are differences in their addiction potential and risk of side effects. Modafinil and Adderall both have stimulant-type effects, but modafinil is a much milder stimulant than Adderall.

How long does Adderall withdrawal last?

It is difficult to say exactly how long Adderall withdrawal lasts because it depends on the person and the process is different for everyone. Some people’s withdrawal symptoms may resolve in as little as 5 days, others may still be experiencing symptoms 4 weeks later or even longer. People who have taken Adderall for a long time at a high dose should expect withdrawal symptoms to last longer, sometimes several months. Continue reading

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