Does Adderall cause a swollen tongue? (+3 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether Adderall can cause a swollen tongue or not, what the research suggests, what factors contribute to Adderall-induced swollen tongue and what to do if Adderall causes a swollen tongue.
Does Adderall cause a swollen tongue?
Yes, Adderall (amphetamine+dextroamfetamine) can cause a swollen tongue in some individuals. Swollen tongue is not a commonly reported side effect of Adderall and is also not a direct effect. Certain mechanisms and indirect pathways that involve Adderall can lead you towards a swollen tongue.
A swollen tongue can also be attributed to an Adderall-induced allergic reaction in the body. Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains amphetamines. It is used to treat conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or narcolepsy. It acts upon the central nervous system to provide treatment for the above-mentioned conditions (1).
Not every person taking Adderall will experience a swollen tongue. These side effects depend upon various other factors that may vary in different patients. If you have any queries regarding the use of Adderall or any of its side effect then consulting your healthcare provider is the best option.
What does the research suggest?
Adderall can indirectly cause a swollen tongue or glossitis in some patients. Adderall can cause dry mouth in some individuals and is a commonly reported side effect (2). This can cause inflammation of the tongue due to irritation and discomfort experienced by the patient (3). Sometimes, Adderall can cause mouth sores that may lead to inflammation of the tongue as well.
Individuals with a weak immune system are highly susceptible to allergic reactions after taking Adderall (4). Although allergic reactions to Adderall are rare, they may occur in some individuals, especially the ones with compromised immune systems. The signs and symptoms of Adderall-induced allergic reactions include the inflammation of the tongue, throat and lips.
What factors contribute to Adderall-induced swollen tongue?
Here are a few factors that may contribute to Adderall-induced swollen tongue.
Oral hygiene
Adderall can decrease saliva production in patients taking it (2). This can influence the oral hygiene of the patient. This potentially increases the risk of a swollen tongue due to bacterial growth or an infection.
Dosage and duration
Higher doses are more likely to cause a higher risk of side effects. Increased doses or prolonged use of Adderall can also increase the incidence of a swollen tongue in patients taking Adderall for ADHD or narcolepsy.
Individual sensitivity
Not every person taking Adderall will experience a swollen tongue after taking Adderall. Some patients might not even experience it. The variation of side effects among different individuals may be due to genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, age and gender.
Underlying medical condition
If you are taking Adderall and experience a swollen tongue then it may be due to drug-disease interaction. In case you have any underlying medical condition such as hypersensitivity, dehydration or allergies then you are more susceptible to experience swollen tongue after taking Adderall.
Concurrent medication
Concurrent medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can interact with Adderall and cause complications like swollen tongue or allergies (5).
What to do if Adderall causes a swollen tongue?
A swollen tongue can be a side effect of Adderall in some patients. If you experience this side effect then consulting your healthcare provider is essential.
Consulting healthcare provider
Your healthcare provider will examine your condition.
- Your doctor will take your past medical history and determine the actual cause of your swollen tongue.
- If Adderall is found to be the cause then your doctor may have to modify your treatment plan. The modifications may include lowering the dose of the medication.
- A lower dose will help your body to adjust better to the effects of Adderall or in case of hypersensitivity, starting with a lower dose can help manage the condition as well.
- If the symptom does not subside even after modifications in your treatment plan then your doctor might suggest an alternative medication to help with your condition.
Alternatives to Adderall
Other stimulant medications that can help you with your condition of ADHD or narcolepsy may include the following (6).
- Methylphenidate
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine
- Wellbutrin
- Clonidine
In my opinion, Adderall can cause swollen tongue as an indirect effect. It may be due to an allergic reaction in the body. However, various factors are involved in the incidence of this side effects. These factors may include physiological factors or pharmaclogical factors.
Not every individual will experience the same side effects to the medication which in this case is Adderall. Incase of any concern regarding the effects of Adderall whether therapeuticor adverse, you need to consult your healthcare provider to get a proper advice.
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References
1.-
Shoar, N. S. (2023, May 23). Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/
2.-
Götrick B, Giglio D, Tobin G. Effects of amphetamine on salivary secretion. Eur J Oral Sci. 2009 Jun;117(3):218-23. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0722.2009.00629.x. PMID: 19583747.
3.-
Sharabi, A. F. (2023, August 8). Glossitis. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560627/
4.-
Glac, W., Dunacka, J., Grembecka, B., Świątek, G., Majkutewicz, I., & Wrona, D. (2021). Prolonged Peripheral Immunosuppressive Responses as Consequences of Random Amphetamine Treatment, Amphetamine Withdrawal and Subsequent Amphetamine Challenges in Rats. Journal of neuroimmune pharmacology : the official journal of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 16(4), 870–887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11481-021-09988-1
5.-
Feinberg SS. Combining stimulants with monoamine oxidase inhibitors: a review of uses and one possible additional indication. J Clin Psychiatry. 2004 Nov;65(11):1520-4. [PubMed] [Reference list]
6.-
In Brief: Alternatives to Adderall | The Medical Letter Inc. (n.d.). https://secure.medicalletter.org/TML-article-1664c#:~:text=SHORT%2DACTING%20STIMULANT%20ALTERNATIVES%20%E2%80%94%20Currently,their%20onset%20of%20action%20occurs
