ADHD is a psychological condition that can affect a person’s behavior. About 3.5 million ADHD-afflicted children and teens in America were on medication in 2011.

This article examines the side effects of ADHD stimulants, such as Adderall, on the tongue and mouth. This article also provides information on how to treat side effects, and when to consult a doctor.

What is Adderall and how does it work?

Scientists believe that ADHD affects between 3-10% and 25% of children in school. Additionally, about 25% of college students receiving disability support for ADHD receive it. This condition is treated with Adderall, a stimulant drug.

ADHD is a condition that causes hyperactivity and attention deficits. Different criteria will be used by psychiatrists and doctors depending on the patient’s age.

ADHD symptoms in children include:

  • Paying insufficient attention for tasks
  • Rushing through tasks
  • missing smaller details
  • Lack of organizational skills
  • forgetfulness
  • a complete inability to hear
  • Fidgeting
  • Getting on to tables and chairs
  • Loudness
  • excessive talking
  • Interrupting
  • Answering questions by blurting out the answers

Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as obvious in adults. They could include:

  • Procrastination
  • Mood instability
  • Low self-esteem
  • Impulsivity
  • inattentiveness

Adderall, like other ADHD stimulants, works by altering how the brain makes or uses dopamine. This neurotransmitter is crucial for brain function and vital to brain health. This can lead to improved attention and decreased hyperactivity.

ADHD medication alternatives

Scientists have divided stimulant ADHD medication into two categories: amphetamines, and methylphenidates.

An 2018 study listed several examples of brand-name versions of these drugs.

Amphetamine ADHD medication include:

  • Adderall and AdderallXR
  • Evekeo
  • Dexedrine and DexedrineXR
  • Dextrostat
  • ProCentra
  • Zenzidi
  • Adzenys XR
  • Vyvanse
  • Dyanavel XR

ADHD medication Methylphenidate includes:

  • Ritalin, Ritalin SR and Ritalin LA
  • Methylin, Methylin-ER
  • Focalin and FocalinXR
  • Metadate CD
  • Quillichew ERR and QuillivantXR
  • Concerta
  • Daytrana

The brain’s response to these drugs can be different. Amphetamines increase the brain’s productions of neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

On the other hand, methylphenidates block the brain’s reuptake dopamine or norepinephrine, which increases their concentration. This increases the stimulant effect.

These mechanisms may be different, but they all result in a stimulant effect.

Side effects

Many drugs that affect the brain can have unwanted side effects due to its complex nature.

Amphetamine side effects

Scientists have discovered that Adderall and amphetamine use can cause the following side effects:

  • Headaches
  • insomnia
  • Tachycardia
  • higher blood pressure
  • Restlessness
  • irritability

Methylphenidate side effects

Doctors are also well-aware of the following side effects associated with methylphenidate:

  • insomnia
  • Nervousness
  • dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Tics
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • Weight loss and decreased appetite
  • Abdominal pain
  • heart palpitations
  • Restlessness
  • irritability
  • Tachycardia is a rapid resting heart beat.

Side effects of tongue and mouth

Side effects of ADHD stimulants, such as Adderall, can affect the tongue or mouth.

Research has shown that both methylphenidates and amphetamines can cause dry lips. Anecdotal evidence suggests that stimulant ADHD medication users can experience the following symptoms:

  • Tongue and mouth movement, which includes tongue sucking
  • Rawness and soreness in the tongue
  • Biting, chewing, or biting the lips, inner cheeks, tongue, or lips
  • Bruxism is the grinding or clenching of teeth.

Scientists are beginning to notice less common effects of stimulant ADHD medication on the tongue and mouth.

One 2018 study describes the case of a person who licked small amounts of their lips and tongue after taking methylphenidate to treat ADHD. According to the authors, researchers have shown that methylphenidates can cause compulsive self-licking in rabbits and rats.

Side effects of side effects on the tongue and mouth

The above symptoms of the tongue and mouth have not been well researched so there are no current treatment options.

Some symptoms may be due to multiple reasons so it is worth looking for other options. Dry mouth can be treated by:

  • Staying hydrated is key
  • Drinking water regularly
  • Sprays, gels, and tablets that contain artificial saliva.
  • Chew sugar-free gum
  • Avoid caffeine, tobacco, alcohol

Due to medication-induced medication, people with dry mouth should speak with their doctor to discuss changing or stopping the medication. This might not work for everyone on ADHD medication.

Some stimulant ADHD medication side effects can be managed with less drastic measures. A 2021 study found that bruxism is associated with vitamin D and calcium deficiencies.

The authors concluded that more research is needed before experts can confirm that dietary supplements effectively treat bruxism.

When should you speak to a doctor

Side effects of stimulant ADHD medication should be reported to a doctor if you experience them.

An individual must be able and willing to take their ADHD medication. A doctor can advise what to do if this is not the situation.

Summary

There are many types of ADHD medication.

Some people are reporting adverse effects of certain stimulant ADHD medication on their tongue and mouth.

These side effects can be easily managed with simple steps. However, it is good to consult a doctor before making any changes to your medication or decreasing the dosage.