Hi

I've been on medication now for a bit more than a week, it's all been really good. However over the last few days I've noticed my hands have become sensitive to the cold. When it starts getting cold at night they feel weak and numb. Could this have something to do with the medication?

Thinking back to yesterday I can't quite remember if it went away as the night progressed or not, something tells me it did.

Does anyone know what this could be?

Attack ferret -- what medication are you on? I would call my doctor immediately.

When I was on a cholestrol lowering medication, I developed neuropathy (a deadening of the nerve-endings) which meant I could not feel pain. Not a good thing. It has taken several years of being off the medicine to regain 90% of the feeling I lost. My fingertips are still numb.

This is important. Call your doctor.

Take Care, Ann

I'm on dexamphetamines. I'm starting to think my dosage is too high. I will call my doctor though, thanks a lot for the help.

Could be a blood circulation issue. Amphetamines are vasoconstrictors, this means that they can narrow your blood vessels. If they are limiting the circulation in your hands, this would definitely explain why they are feeling numb when it gets cold. Part of how your body warms itself is by pumping warm blood into its extremities, and when this blood flow is limited, your hands get cold.

You should see a doctor immediately. As you can probably guess, blood circulation problems can be bad. It is entirely possible that the problems in your hands could be a sign of larger problems. It's probably nothing, and you'll probably be fine, but because the possibility exists that something far more serious could happen, you should definitely speak to your doctor.

Disclaimer: I am not a physician and do not claim to be.

Hyperion is partially correct. The cold hands are caused by vasoconstricting effects. I'm guessing that your hands aren't numb but that sensation is markedly diminished.

These effects are not serious, and will diminish as therapy progresses. I had this effect significantly for a couple of weeks when I first began stimulant therapy, but it went away in time.

Still, it would be wise to notify your doctor of all bothersome side effects, especially if they get worse over time.

My concern is not that the numb/cold hands are a problem in and of themselves, but that they could indicate a larger problem. There could be a pre-existing vascular problem which on its own would not be problematic, but it exacerbated by the amphetamines. Even if he has a mild circulation problem, and it turns out to be no big deal whatsoever, better to double check and make sure.

I have the same symptoms. It's been 2 weeks of Adderal and I believe in the circulation issue. I have also lot weight due to loss of appetite and was wondering if it was due to low iron. It was 90 out today and I had pj bottoms and socks on all afternoon. True we have AC but I was freezing and tingly not just cold. Glad you posted since I had that question. Hope we get some answers. i'm going to call my doc to be on the safe side and I have to see my primary for a check up this week and will ask for blood check. Good luck, Jac

weight loss is common when taking amphetamins. If it gets down to a dangerous level then you should consult a doctor, otherwise i wouldent wory too much about it.

I had these effects VERY powerfully when I first started taking stimulants. I could not warm myself up at all. My body felt so cold, especially the extremeties, although my core temp remained slightly elevated (99.5 or so). In fact, all the side effects I had were very potent for at least two weeks, and didn't really iron themselves out for at least 1.5 months. Now I get very few side effects at all.

When I first started taking meds my BP was around 140/90 and HR was 90 bpm. I would sweat profusely (even though I was cold as hell), I felt a bit dizzy and uneasy on my feet, anxious, very sleepy, etc. Now my BP is normal again, and all but some mild sweating and increased HR have remained. I've had an EKG, with no irregularities at all, and my BP have been monitored.

My point with all this is this: The side effects can present themselves differently in everyone, and you need to be aware that they get better with time. That does not mean you are safe! By all means get checked out. Cardiovascular problems are not something you want to deal with chronically, it's bad news in the end ;). But keep in mind that things can be rough for awhile, and CHANCES ARE, if you are young and previously healthy, you will adjust and have no or minor seloque in the future.

Good luck, and be safe.

-Brian