Adderall Tongue: What It Is and How To Get Rid of It

The tongue is one of those organs that’s easy to forget about. And yet, as soon as something is amiss, it’s impossible to ignore. In fact, it might be hard to concentrate on anything else.

And if concentration difficulties are already an area of concern — for example, if we’re taking Adderall for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — tongue issues are the last thing we need. Let’s explore the so-called “Adderall tongue” phenomenon and see how we can mitigate the effects.

What Is Adderall?

First things first: what is Adderall? A medication often prescribed for ADHD, Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. In plain English, it’s an upper — a powerful one, at that. 

In people with ADHD — a condition marked by difficulties with focusing on tasks, completing them, and (if we have the hyperactivity “add-on”) sitting still in general. From a neuroscience perspective, ADHD is actually a bit of a paradox. Given the word “deficit” in the name, we might expect that it involves a lack of attention capacity. In fact, it’s a matter of regulation of what we pay attention to — not a “lack” of attention itself. The decision-making area known as the prefrontal cortex isn’t “online” as much as it should be when it comes to directing the activity of other parts of the brain. The result? We pay attention to the “wrong” things. 

As for the hyperactivity bit, it’s a glitch in the communication of the frontal-limbic system. Those with an “H” tend to “need” external stimulation to feel comfortable. As a result, they might find it hard to finish what they start and are constantly on the lookout for “greener pastures” when it comes to anything from folding the laundry to reading a book to staying in a job or relationship.

What Role Does Adderall Play?

There are many ways to approach ADHD (with or without drugs), and Adderall is one of them.  While giving someone with hyperactive tendencies a stimulant seems counterintuitive, scientists believe that somehow the brain wiring of folks with ADHD responds to it in a “paradoxical” way.

The whole thing is a bit controversial, however. For some, treating symptoms that can be addressed in gentler ways (for example, through behavioral therapy) with powerful psychoactive drugs feels a bit like a sledgehammer approach. After all, Adderall is highly controlled and can lead to some gnarly side effects. 

Still, for those who choose to take it, it helps to know about the side effects:


• Lack of appetite 
• Gastrointestinal issues (such as stomach pain, constipation, and nausea), 
• Anxiety 
• Dizziness 
• Headaches 
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth 

Occasionally, however, things can get more serious, bringing on cardiovascular symptoms, such as high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. There’s also a possibility of hallucinations, irritability, depression, and aggressive behavior.

Most importantly, Adderall is highly habit-forming — so much so that the FDA labels it as having high potential for abuse and keeps a very close eye on who is prescribing and getting it and in what quantities. 

What Is Adderall Tongue?

One of the less severe (but pesky) side effects of Adderall — dry mouth — is behind the so-called “Adderall tongue.” The symptom usually presents as a dry (and sometimes sore) tongue after taking Adderall.

Symptoms of Adderall Tongue

How do you know if you have Adderall tongue? Well, as they say, you know it when you see it (or in this case, feel it). Some have described it as a sore feeling, for others the dryness is what stands out. In some cases, mouth sores or blisters appear on the tongue or other areas of the mouth. (If you’re tempted to Google some pictures of mouth sores caused by Adderall, be our guest, but be forewarned — they’re rather painful to look at, especially if you have one in your mouth.)

Causes of Adderall Tongue

As for the cause of Adderall tongue, it’s a bit of a medical mystery. That said, there are some scientific explanations for Adderall tongue.

• Reduced saliva production. This is the main one as far as science is concerned. Stimulants reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth (known as xerostomia) which can affect our tongue. This happens because stimulants boost our autonomic nervous system activity, putting us in a pseudo-fight-or-flight mode and slowing involuntary processes such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion (including saliva production). 
• Combination with other mouth-related side effects. In addition to dry mouth, Adderall can mess with our oral cavity in other ways, causing a bitter taste, mouth ulcers, and a swollen tongue. 
• Other substances. Many substances, such as caffeine and alcohol, can contribute to dry mouth by causing dehydration. For example, alcohol puts a temporary stop on vasopressin, a hormone that tells the kidneys to hold on to water. Caffeine does the same; plus, it stimulates urine production by increasing blood flow to the kidneys and affects the reabsorption of sodium and water.
• Psychological aspects. Last but not least, Adderall can cause some psychologically-based tics or habits, such as tongue biting and grinding teeth. Needless to say, if we chew on our tongue a bit too much (or at all), it might get unhappy.

Whatever the cause is, Adderall tongue is a real side effect and an important signal that our mouth is chronically dry. Dry mouth, in turn, has implications beyond that sticky, parched feeling. In addition to discomfort, it can lead to bacterial growth and tooth decay over time.

Alcohol and Adderall: Beyond the Tongue

We’ve mentioned that alcohol can contribute to Adderall tongue, but there’s more to the story. So before we go any further, let’s pause to take a deeper look at the potentially dangerous combination of Adderall and alcohol. 

Both are powerful dopamine boosters, so mixing the two can lead to dependence on either substance alone or the combo. Both also tend to increase impulsivity, so we’re more likely to make decisions that would otherwise give us pause. Plus, since Adderall can make us feel less intoxicated than we actually are, drinking too much (possibly to the point of alcohol poisoning) becomes a concern. For more information, check out our blogs “What Happens When You Drink on Adderall” and “Exploring the Science of Drinking With ADHD.”

How Long Does Adderall Tongue Last?

Duration depends on several factors. For one thing, higher and more frequent doses are more likely to bring on the symptoms. Another factor is sensitivity. Some people are more sensitive to changes in their mouths than others. Oral hygiene plays a role as well, as does our overall physical health.

Given these nuances, Adderall tongue can be a transient event that disrupts our day before going away on its own, or it might be our new reality. In the latter case, it’s all about management. Let’s take a closer look at some strategies!

How To Get Rid of Adderall Tongue

So, how can we treat and (better yet) prevent Adderall tongue? Here are some tips.

1. Get rid of dry mouth with saliva substitutes. Xylitol-based sprays or lozenges can work wonders for curing dry mouth. For example, Mouth Kote or Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray are good options. And if xylitol doesn’t agree with you (it’s been known to cause diarrhea or cramps), try products based on carboxymethylcellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose. For example, Biotene Dry Mouth Oralbalance Moisturizing Gel does the trick for many.

2. Chew sugar-free gum. Chewing xylitol gum can also help with saliva flow.

3. Hydrate. It goes without saying, but let’s mention it anyway — drink water. Not Coke, definitely not coffee (as far as dry mouth is concerned), but plain old H2O. If that’s not your thing, add some electrolyte powder, such as Liquid I.V. for a boost of flavor and hydration.

4. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush, floss, and rinse every day. Your parents and your dentist were right on this one.

5. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If you’re taking Adderall, be extremely careful with alcohol and tobacco in particular — both cause dopamine release and can quicken dependency. Plus all three (including coffee) will dehydrate you, making your dry mouth worse.

6. Manage stress. All that teeth-grinding is often stress-related. So curbing stress with mindfulness or breathing practices will help if that’s a contributing factor.

7. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Make sure you tell your doctor about any side effects of Adderall you’re experiencing, especially if they’re concerning. Your care team should always have the full picture with all the details!

8. Don’t skip your dentist visits. You know those “Time for your cleaning!” cards we used to get? Don’t toss them into recycling (or erase the text reminder from your phone). Regular check-ups and cleaning are essential to your oral health. Plus, the dentist can give you some pro tips for dealing with Adderall tongue in particular.

With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your mouth from getting dry and stave off Adderall tongue. But remember, if you’re concerned, always check with your doctor for advice.

A Final Word on Alleviating Adderall Tongue

In the end, Adderall tongue is a nuisance, but we can do a lot to alleviate it with good oral hygiene and hydration. Let’s take care of our body and be grateful for all the hard work it does for us every day!