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.
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
Experiencing any side effects associated with Adderall usage warrants an immediate consultation with a medical practitioner. You can additionally treat the symptoms in the following ways:
1. Drinking lots of water: this will help control the sensation of dryness and help lubricate the oral cavity;
2. Avoiding spicy and acidic food: ingesting spicy and acidic food aggravates the symptoms;
3. Saltwater rinses: mixing salt with lukewarm water and rinsing after swishing the solution in your mouth for 20 seconds can help keep your mouth clean;
4. Avoid beverages that can be dehydrating: caffeinated drinks such as coffee and tea should be avoided. Coffee additionally has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of Adderall and increase the associated side effects; and
5. Adopting some lifestyle changes: smoking and consuming alcohol potentiates the symptoms of Adderall tongue.
6. Using a tongue scrapper: this will help remove the pesky white coating on the tongue.
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 toothbrushes remove plaque around teeth more efficiently than manual toothbrushes and are a practical way to improve focus during brushing.
To Summarize…
"How do I get rid of Adderall tongue?" is a common question in the minds of many patients who use Adderall. If you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above after taking Adderall, please consult your nearest medical practitioner to avoid dangerous side effects.
*Cover image from Pexels@Misho Cha, we will delete it if constitutes infringement *
