Woke Up with a Slightly Painful Sore Throat After a Night of Drinking While on Adderall
29 years old Maintaining a healthy weight Currently taking Adderall and Pregabalin ---------------------------------- Typically, I don’t indulge in heavy drinking. In fact, until just a few months ago, I only consumed alcohol at family gatherings, and even then, it was in very small amounts since I’m not fond of alcohol. ---------------------------------- Here’s my situation: I have severe ADHD and began taking Adderall about two years back. I noticed that as the medication's effects would wear off, I would experience intense comedowns—there were occasions when I felt completely hopeless. Aside from that, I dealt with significant anxiety, irritability, and insomnia, despite taking immediate-release doses. To cope with these negative effects, I turned to alcohol. Although I understand that this is a poor decision, I had also been prescribed benzodiazepines to help mitigate my reliance on alcohol since I recognize it’s harmful. Unfortunately, I ran out of my benzodiazepines and had to wait two days for a refill; thus, I opted to drink that night. My fiancé and I had an intense sexual encounter while on the combination of Adderall and alcohol, and in hindsight, I really wish I had hydrated before sleeping. The night was fantastic, but the following morning, I woke up with a rather painful sore throat and significant discomfort when swallowing. It was pretty clear that dehydration was likely the cause. Now, two days later, approaching the third day, the pain persists despite consuming around 80 ounces of water since the onset of my throat issues. I’ve tried cough drops, which provided brief relief, maybe for an hour at most... I genuinely hope this isn’t a dental infection, as stimulants can contribute to neglecting oral hygiene. I need to prioritize my dental health since it may be connected to my current condition. While I don’t feel any pain in my mouth, I suspect I might have a couple of cavities, but I recently lost my dental coverage, and I’m apprehensive about visiting a dentist. Currently, my only symptom is this sore throat; it’s difficult to swallow and even talk without discomfort. Fortunately, there's no jaw or tooth pain, and hydrating doesn’t seem to alleviate things much. My tonsils appear normal, and I’m fairly certain I don’t have hepatitis. I’m hoping that in another couple of days, this will subside. That said, I’m curious if any healthcare professionals or fellow users can offer their insights. Is it possible this could be a mild case of COVID or just a regular cold? I doubt it’s strep throat. I tend to be a bit of a hypochondriac, so I sincerely hope someone can provide a reliable perspective! I appreciate anyone who takes the time to comment with advice!
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 9:00:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a sore throat following a night of drinking, which may be related to dehydration, irritants from alcohol, or other factors such as post-nasal drip or even mild viral infections. I understand your concerns about the possibility of it being something more serious, like COVID or a dental issue, especially given your recent lifestyle adjustments. Let's focus on addressing your symptoms and prioritizing your health.
Explanation
The sore throat you're experiencing can occur for various reasons, including irritation from alcohol and dehydration. Alcohol can dry out the throat and contribute to inflammation, making swallowing painful. While it's good that you've been hydrating, it's essential to ensure you're managing your symptoms effectively.
Given the details you've provided—such as the normal appearance of your tonsils and the absence of more severe symptoms like fever or cough—it seems less likely to be strep throat or COVID-19. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, this would warrant further evaluation.
Next Steps
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Increase Hydration: Continue drinking plenty of water, but also consider warm herbal teas or broths to soothe your throat and help with hydration.
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Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce throat inflammation and irritation. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
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**Humidify: **Using a humidifier in your room can help moisten the air, which may soothe your throat further, especially if you breathe dry air while sleeping.
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Over-the-Counter Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and discomfort.
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Rest Your Voice: If talking is painful, try to limit speaking and give your throat a break.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If they worsen (such as developing a fever, increased pain, or difficulty breathing), it would be advisable to seek medical attention.
Remember, taking care of your overall health, including dental hygiene, is important. If you suspect dental issues but cannot currently see a dentist, consider reaching out to local clinics that offer low-cost services or community health options.
If you need more tailored advice, feel free to share more about your condition, and take care!
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