My BP was 140/80 and it's been that the last three times I had my bp checked... the nurse said the same thing every time (almost word for word) "How old are you?" 20. "Your BP is high" It is? "well, i guess it's not that high, just a little high for your age"

The doctor noticed it and asked if I had a reason for it being so high, and I said I don't know. Is this around what you all have because of the adderall?

My dad says its probably because I'm a nervous person, which is true, and I always get especially nervous when going to the doctor... I don't know why, but I always have. So maybe it's just anxiety/nervousness that elevates it.

I think I should check it on my own, at like a cvs sometime, and see how that compares.

Good idea, also .. how big or small is the bp cuff they're using? Sometimes, the nurse here uses one too small and it gives a higher reading... so she switches to one that better fits my arm.

Yes, Adderall can sometimes cause a higher reading, but then again.. so can your nervousness compounded along with the Adderall.

I've always found that some deep breathing while waiting helps me relax. It's worth a try.

and I'm not looking for medical advice! Just if anyone else has a BP like mine...

Good idea, also .. how big or small is the bp cuff they're using? Sometimes, the nurse here uses one too small and it gives a higher reading... so she switches to one that better fits my arm.

Yes, Adderall can sometimes cause a higher reading, but then again.. so can your nervousness compounded along with the Adderall.

I've always found that some deep breathing while waiting helps me relax. It's worth a try.

That is worth a try! The problem is though, I hate talking about whats wrong with me, I don't really know why, but I do. So I sit there and go over in my head how I am going to tell her why I'm back in her office, so I don't sound so nervous, but that just makes me nervous in its self! catch 22

That is worth a try! The problem is though, I hate talking about whats wrong with me, I don't really know why, but I do. So I sit there and go over in my head how I am going to tell her why I'm back in her office, so I don't sound so nervous, but that just makes me nervous in its self! catch 22

I can totally understand that. I've taken to writing a list so I don't forget all the reasons I'm back in the office.

I think I should check it on my own, at like a cvs sometime, and see how that compares.

Definitely do this! Lots of ppl get nervous around docs, which can result in a slightly elevated bp. I've heard it called "white coat syndrome." :rolleyes:

At any rate, you should definitely check your bp on your own terms just to see.

Mine is always around 130 something over 80 something since starting the meds, I don't care. I used to be a solid 120 over 69 or so.

I've been through lots o' trauma this past year and I'm on stimulants. No one lives forever.

When I was on Vyvanse mine was fairly normal...in fact lower than it usually is. The nurse took it twice the last time I was in the office. There isn't much in the world that'll make my blood pressure go up...unless I'm scared. Like the time I was being put to sleep for the first time. It was like 140/90 or something *shrugs* smartbutt nurse decided to ask me if I was nervous (NO shyt sherlock). I'll have to keep note of this when I start Adderall this weekend.

I forget the fancy names for the numbers, but I've been told that it's only the bottom number that's really important (i.e., the "80" for you). As it's 80 for you, it's normal. The other number, 140, is elevated (standard is 120) and is probably just your anxiety. If they were really concerned about your blood pressure, they would have done a 24hr measurement (you're strapped into a automatic machine that measures your BP every so often) to eliminate White Coat Syndrome (being anxious around doctors etc).

If you're really concerned and you want to lower your BP, then lay off the saturated fats (animal fats) and keep your electrolytes in balance (i.e., don't consume way more sodium than potassium etc), and do some aerobic exercise.

I agree with driver in above post- the bottom number is a concern when it goes towards 90 (some say 85). But since the nurse in the doctors office brought it up makes me wonder? Ask your doctor why 140/80 is a concern. And the labcoat nervousness is real-many a pulse or a BP shots through the roof in the doctors office.

I know when I was in school and in clinicals at the hospital 140/90 would be considered borderline hypertension (high BP). FYI 120/80 is normal. You could try taking it first thing in the morning before medicating/ compare it to midday when medicated- record this and give it to your doctor. And also write down your heart rate.

are u a healthy eater? or have a family history of high blood pressure and/or cholersterol? that doesnt sound high, but if it is high to som doctors, the adderal wouldnt be the only cause of the problem. Last time i was at patient first my doctor thoguht my blood presssure was to low at first, then rechecked and was around 51 or so.

Hey OP, let me give you some unqualified medical advice and reassurance:

My BP jumps to around 140/85 when I go to the doctor due to being nervous as well. Normally it's around 135/80, which is a little too high in of itself.

First, your blood pressure is too high. And no, the bottom number isn't the most important number. The top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers are now considered to be both important in prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease. New studies suggest that the pulse pressure (the top number minus the bottom number) should ideally be 40-50 for cardio health.

The good news is that there are many ways to lower BP effectively. Ideally your BP should be below 120/80. So this should be your goal (and your doctor's goal).

Now do you exercise regularly and eat healthy? If not, then you need to start doing both. These two factors alone can lower BP significantly in a lot of people. If you do exercise regularly AND eat healthy and it's still high, then you should ask your doctor about ACE Ihibitors. Yes, medication. These lower blood pressure singificantly and have no major adverse effects. I know a cardiologist who's been taking ACEs since he was 21. Some people just have high BP, and ACEs are the best treatment. Not only do they lower BP, but they also reverse hardening of the arteries. They're an all around good med, with few exceptions.

If your doctor recommends Beta Blockers or Dieuretics, then don't do it. Though both these treatments lower BP, they are not healthy for the heart. New evidence suggests that Beta Blockers contribute to stiffening of the arteries, and also can cause unwanted arrythmias.

So in summary:

You want a BP of below 120/80. First you should try lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and diet. If these changes don't work after a couple months, then you should try ACE Inhibitors. Google this stuff to find out more.

My advice for anyone, really: Just keep an eye on your bp... whether you're on medication or not... especially if you have a family history. :)

Hey OP, let me give you some unqualified medical advice and reassurance:

My BP jumps to around 140/85 when I go to the doctor due to being nervous as well. Normally it's around 135/80, which is a little too high in of itself.

First, your blood pressure is too high. And no, the bottom number isn't the most important number. The top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) numbers are now considered to be both important in prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease. New studies suggest that the pulse pressure (the top number minus the bottom number) should ideally be 40-50 for cardio health.

The good news is that there are many ways to lower BP effectively. Ideally your BP should be below 120/80. So this should be your goal (and your doctor's goal).

Now do you exercise regularly and eat healthy? If not, then you need to start doing both. These two factors alone can lower BP significantly in a lot of people. If you do exercise regularly AND eat healthy and it's still high, then you should ask your doctor about ACE Ihibitors. Yes, medication. These lower blood pressure singificantly and have no major adverse effects. I know a cardiologist who's been taking ACEs since he was 21. Some people just have high BP, and ACEs are the best treatment. Not only do they lower BP, but they also reverse hardening of the arteries. They're an all around good med, with few exceptions.

If your doctor recommends Beta Blockers or Dieuretics, then don't do it. Though both these treatments lower BP, they are not healthy for the heart. New evidence suggests that Beta Blockers contribute to stiffening of the arteries, and also can cause unwanted arrythmias.

So in summary:

You want a BP of below 120/80. First you should try lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and diet. If these changes don't work after a couple months, then you should try ACE Inhibitors. Google this stuff to find out more.


About those "new studies" :)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/health/sick1.html


Also

http://www.med-help.net/medical-information/ideal-blood-pressure.html

:)

Update: I went to CVS today to see if I have this "white coat syndrome" that you all talk about... and I do! I did it twice and my readings were 116/70 and 120/68, if those are exact they are very close to what they were +/- 2. And that was 3 hours after taking my morning dose of adderall.

And for those who asked, yes I make a very conscious effort to eat right and stay healthy. I used to exercise a lot, not so much now that school has started though. I also stay away from high salt/fat foods (I do have quite a sweet tooth though), that's why I was perplexed about my BP apparently being high.

It all makes sense now! Thanks everyone for your help!

When I was pregnant with my second, I mentioned that I had "white coat" hypertension to the ultrasound specialist that I had to see because of bp complications with the first.

She told me that doctor's visits are stressful to some and it can affect bp, but that it shouldn't be written off as not a problem since that is the way my body is responding in ALL stressful situations. So, if I am often stressed, it is often high which is not good. The reason it is high is not as important and how long/how often.

HTH

I had that blood pressure when I was pregnant with my daughter. In my case, it ended up going even higher and turning into preeclampsia (pregnancy induced high blood pressure).

Strangely enough a few weeks ago when I was referred to a specialist to rule out cancer on my first visit (off medication) my blood pressure was 118/75 (very high for me). The next visit to actually have a minor surgical procedure done when I was very nervous (but on Adderall) my blood pressure was 10 points lower. I wonder if the meds helped me control my anxiety which lowered my blood pressure?

PS: They didn't find any cancer! (;

PS: They didn't find any cancer! (;


I'm so glad that they didn't!!!!!!!!!!

My normal BP is approx. 100/70. On 20mg Adderall XR, it's 170/110.

This is a problem. :o Particularly given that my dad dropped dead of a heart attack at 38, sooooo...

Sigh. The meds work well for me, so this is a bummer.

My normal BP is approx. 100/70. On 20mg Adderall XR, it's 170/110.

This is a problem. :o Particularly given that my dad dropped dead of a heart attack at 38, sooooo...

Sigh. The meds work well for me, so this is a bummer.
I was like that too. It is definitely a concern. You should talk to your doctor about going on a blood pressure medication.

I was like that too. It is definitely a concern. You should talk to your doctor about going on a blood pressure medication.

BP meds are a last resort as they're usually a one-way street (i.e., there's usually no getting off them once you start).

Look for alternative solutions first.