New Medication Opinions

[heartstream]

Hi People

Well I am 8 months out of my second OHS. TVR Mechanical this time. I have had AF and Tack Arcadia (if that's how you spell it). So two ablations in last 3 years.

I have now been prescribed Lisdexamphetamine 50mg daily. This id for my ADHD, Self medicating was how i got my condition, but now they are prescribing it for me. Now this is an Amphetamine and seems

crazy. The Doctors have spoken and exchanged letters. However, the Psychiatrist changed the suggested med from my cardiologist letter.

I have felt ok and my BP is fine, my heart rate is 70 but usually with my heart meds about 55-60. After a couple of drinks i have felt slight irregularities in my heart beat but that is all.

My question is i am not sure about all this. Yes my ADHD is bad (ask my wife). However, should i be risking this sort of medication with my condition or trust the doctors.

Thanks in advance this site has always been a great help.

Heartstream

 

[tom in MO]

I cannot speak about your specific heart condition but I volunteered for many years in the children and adolescent ward of a psychiatric hospital. In general, amphetimines for ADHD is common therapy for children and adolescents, but it is also one of the most abused psychiatric approaches to ADHD. At our facility, some believed that is not possible to diagnose ADHD w/o direct observation of the child, thus diagnosis in an office setting is not sufficient. For adult ADHD, the symptoms should have been seen during childhood, thus I am not sure what you mean by "self medicating was how i got my condition". AFAIK you cannot "catch" or "get" ADHD.

Medications for ADHD are a very controversial subject. For those that truly need them, they are a godsend, but for others not so much.

I would make sure your diagnosis is correct and also assure your cardiologist approves the lisdexamphetamine and the dosage.

 

[heartstream]

Hi Tom
I am not going to go into it but as a child I was extremely difficult. I could not get accepted into any school. Furthermore, my behaviour was not right. I have been tested by 3 professionals and read 5 books. Believe me I have adhd.
My self medicating was from using illegal drugs instead of controlled meds. I wish I got help at 9 years old.
I am also going to speak to my Cardiologist ASAP.

Regards
Heartstream

 

[dornole]

Trust your docs, or get docs you trust, seems like the short answer. . . .

Your psychiatrist and cardiologist are talking, that's good. Could you ask if there are any "sudden" heart-related risks from the ADHD meds, or if it would more likely be something more "gradual" you could report and then work with your team to change up your meds? Ask specifically what symptoms you might watch for, if you need any additional heart monitoring, and what you should report.

Also, is your psychiatrist experienced at prescribing for people in recovery, or do you need to bring in some expertise there so you feel safe taking your ADHD meds? From both a heart-health standpoint and a recovery standpoint. Obviously a return to self-medicating with untested, random-dose, tainted and illegal drugs would not be good.

It's good you plan to talk to your providers more so you can set your mind at ease and/or change the plan. I hope you find an ADHD solution that's safe for your heart and good for your functioning. I've heard it's not an easy journey but worth taking for many.

 

[tom in MO]

Good to hear you trust your diagnosis. Past behavior is just that...past. You can make a new future. Good luck.