Dry Mouth Caused by Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Adderall is a common treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but it’s not without side effects. Adderall has been shown to have negative effects on the tongue and mouth, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as “Adderall tongue.” Although not a recognized medical disorder, Adderall tongue bears many similarities to xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. 

 

In this article, we’ll discuss why Adderall tongue occurs and whether the typical dry mouth treatments — electrostimulation, medication, and artificial saliva — are applicable to Adderall-induced dry mouth. 

 

What is Adderall tongue?

Adderall tongue is typically a manifestation of dry mouth, a condition in which the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, or don’t produce high-quality saliva, which results in many oral health complications, from bad breath to infections to rampant dental caries, and more. 

 

Most descriptions of Adderall tongue are anecdotal, and the symptoms and severity vary greatly between individuals. The most common symptoms include:

• Dry mouth and dry tongue
• A tongue that feels sore and raw
• Swelling of the tongue
• Ulcers or sores on the tongue and mouth

 

While these symptoms aren’t life-threatening, they can certainly lower the quality of life.

 

Understanding Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a widespread side effect of Adderall and other stimulants, as the amphetamines within cause dehydration, and sufficient hydration is crucial for normal saliva production. Dry mouth is also a common side effect of antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, analgesic agents, antihistamines, and more. In fact, according to WebMD, dry mouth is a known side effect of over 400 prescription medications. 

 

Typical dry mouth symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Sore, scratchy, burning throat, lips, and tongue
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, and talking
• Hoarseness
• Change in taste or lack of taste
• Increased gum disease, dental caries
• Increased oral infections

 

Dry mouth isn’t only caused by medications, but can also be the result of diseases like Sjrogen’s syndrome and diabetes, treatment for head and neck cancer, or taking more than one medication. 

 

When Adderall Tongue is an Allergic Reaction

In some cases, Adderall tongue can be an allergic reaction to the medication, but this is less common than dry mouth, a known side effect of Adderall. In addition to dry mouth, signs that someone may be having an allergic reaction to Adderall include:

 

• Rash, hives, or itchy skin
• Difficulty breathing and/or anaphylaxis
• Swelling of lips, mouth, throat, and eyes

 

If someone has an allergic reaction to Adderall, their doctor will likely recommend a different ADHD medication. If someone experiences Adderall tongue, their doctor will likely recommend treating the symptoms.

 

Dry Mouth Treatment for Adderall Tongue

Dry  mouth is an uncomfortable condition that shouldn’t be ignored. There are many treatments available, especially in the case of Adderall tongue, when it’s clear that the symptoms are the direct result of a specific medication. 

 

Possible treatment approaches to dry mouth caused by Adderall include:

1. Adjusting dosage/change medication: With many ADHD medications, a bit of trial and error is involved until the correct dosage is achieved. If a patient complains of dry mouth symptoms, their doctor may try to adjust the dosage to make the symptoms less severe. If that doesn’t work, the doctor may suggest taking a different ADHD medication, one that will achieve the desired results without the unpleasant symptoms. 
2. Drinking more water, minimizing sugar and caffeine intake: Drinking more water is always a healthy option, but in the case of dry mouth, it’s imperative so that the salivary glands have enough liquid to create the necessary saliva. Additionally, minimizing sugar and caffeine intake can reduce dry mouth symptoms. Sugar is damaging to the teeth even with sufficient saliva — without it, it can compound the effects of dry mouth and cause serious dental issues. Caffeine (as well as nicotine and alcohol) is a diuretic, and it can cause the body to lose water, resulting in insufficient fluids for the salivary glands to use. 
3. Electrostimulation: Electrostimulation via the SaliPen, an FDA-approved dry mouth treatment device, is designed to increase the body’s natural production of saliva without the side effects of prescription medications. It can be used at home and is most effective when used consistently. 
4. Sleeping modifications: Dry mouth symptoms tend to become worse at night, but several non-invasive sleep modifications can help. Sleeping with a humidifier at night can prevent the oral cavity from drying out and exacerbating dry mouth symptoms. Similarly, nose breathing is an important technique for minimizing dry mouth symptoms. 
5. Artificial saliva/saliva substitutes: Artificial saliva doesn’t treat the underlying cause of dry mouth, but it provides temporary relief in the forms of sugar-free gum, candies, gel, spray, and mouthwash. These saliva substitutes ease discomfort by adding more (artificial) saliva into the oral cavity. 
6. Improving oral hygiene practices: Adderall is mainly prescribed for people with ADHD, and studies show that people with ADHD are more likely to have poor oral health than those without. Therefore, implementing good oral hygiene practices, which includes twice-daily brushing and flossing, and regular dentist appointments, is a crucial aspect of managing dry mouth.
7. Medication: A sialagogue is a type of medication that stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva. These medications are the most common dry mouth treatment in adults, as salivary gland disease in children is rare. Taking a sialogogue to combat Adderall-induced ADHD might be counterproductive, as polypharmacy (taking more than one medication) is a proven cause of dry mouth itself. Therefore, consult with a doctor before taking medication to treat Adderall-induced dry mouth. 

 

FAQS

Does everyone who takes Adderall get dry mouth?

No, dry mouth is a common side effect of Adderall but not everyone gets it. Adderall tongue specifically is based on anecdotal evidence and not a recognized medical disorder, whereas dry mouth is a recognized disorder and has many treatment options. 

 

Is Adderall helpful for people with ADHD?

The question of whether one should take medication is beyond the scope of this article. Our purpose is to discuss a common symptom of Adderall, dry mouth, and the treatment options available. 

 

Can Adderall tongue go away on its own, without treatment?

In some cases, Adderall tongue may be an initial reaction to starting a new medication. Once the body gets used to it, the symptom may improve or go away altogether. If the dry mouth symptoms don’t go away, contact your healthcare professional about options for dry mouth treatment. 

 

What is the best treatment for Adderall tongue?

There is no “best treatment” for Adderall tongue just as there is no “best treatment” for dry mouth. There are several medically-supported treatment options, but as every individual is different and experiences symptoms differently, they will also respond to treatments differently. What works for one person might not work for another. Consult with a doctor who knows your medical history and current conditions to create a personalized dry mouth treatment plan. 

 

Is Adderall tongue reversible?

Typically, when one stops taking Adderall, their dry mouth symptoms will go away (unless there are other underlying conditions causing dry mouth). 

 

Is electrostimulation safe for children?

Contact us here to learn more about the SaliPen and its safety for children. You can also speak directly with your healthcare provider.