Adderall Jaw Clenching: Why It Happens and How to Stop It

Adderall Jaw Clenching: Why It Happens and How to Stop It

The Big Picture

Stimulants speed up your central nervous system and cause involuntary muscle tension especially in your jaw. They also drain your supply of magnesium. Taking magnesium glycinate replenishes this mineral and tells your muscles to finally relax.

In Depth

Medications like Adderall and Vyvanse increase adrenaline. This puts your body in a mild state of physical stress. Your muscles naturally tighten up to prepare for action. For most people this tension goes straight to the jaw and neck causing teeth grinding and headaches.

At the same time stimulants flush essential minerals out of your system. Magnesium is the primary mineral responsible for muscle relaxation. When your levels drop your muscles get stuck in a flexed state.

The Science

Taking a magnesium supplement replaces what your medication depleted. It acts as a natural muscle relaxer by calming down overactive muscle fibers.

It is important to specifically choose magnesium glycinate. Cheap forms like magnesium oxide do not absorb well and can upset your stomach. The glycinate form absorbs directly into your muscles. It also has a natural calming effect on the brain which helps you sleep much better after your medication wears off.

Citations

Magnesium is an essential mineral required for muscle relaxation and preventing muscle cramps and involuntary spasms.
Stimulant medications are known to induce bruxism and dental attrition as a secondary side effect.