Hey everyone!

I was wondering, is anyone here on any ADHD meds with a heart condition? Long story short, I can't get in to see the pyschiatrist until April 27th to find out what meds may be prescribed to me but I've been doing some research. I have a condition called Mitral Valve Prolapse (a malfunctioning valve in the heart) as well as a heart murmer -and- and enlarged heart. So I'm doing research and find out that the meds that are prescribed for ADHD (just diagnosed 3/8/04) are basically stimulants and the contraindications are any heart disease. So now I'm flipping out thinking there may be nothing that can be done for me!

Anyone here know anything about this or if anyone one else with ADHD has a heart condition and what can be done??

Thanks!!

. . . Kim

Don't flip out yet Kim...There are non-stimulant meds for add/adhd & a lot of women don't do very well on stimulants anyway, So Relax that lil heart of yours.
I have what is called an incomplete RBBB (right bundle branch block.) I'm on no meds for it...if I keep my caffine intake down I don't get too many palpations &/or arrhythmias.
I wonder if there is a history of heart conditoins in add'ers???
Hugs & Good Luck @ your doctors appt.:)

Even if you can not take AD/HD medication because of health issues there are other ways for you to help manage your AD/HD.

Maybe while you are waiting to see the pyschiatrist you could check with a cardiologist.

Thanks ladies!

Well, I'm sure you both understand why I'm so flipped out as I tend to "pre-worry" about everything (also GAD) and am completely lacking patience. I want everything figured out and fixed now!

Tara - good idea. I think I will call and make an appointment with my regular doctor, talk to her and perhaps she could refer me to my cardiologist or something. Good idea! Thanks!!

Curious - why is it a lot of women do not do well on the stimulants?

Thanks!

. . . Kim

I wasn't aware that there was a high instance of women not doing well on stimulants.

I was told that by my shrink..She said, "in general" women do better on antidepresants than stimulants. I will search the net to verify that. Hugs

That could have something to do with the fact that many women with AD/HD also have other co-existing condtions like anxiety. If both conditions are not adressed then yes woman would not benefit from the stimulant alone.

Right I think the co-morbities...

having a low heart rate, caused by either running or heridity i think, ....my story,.....syncopy too,......blood pressure drops to cause you to faint,....either have meds for that or pacemaker,.....20% of population has low blood pressure and or heart rate i have found,....
i am one fo them......and i love to run,.....sometimes i have to force myself to keep running,...and i am glad i did,...
i feel like a million bucks afterward,...
i know a million woul d be nice to have too.... :)
a good heart is a close tie.
you think?
:)
Paul