I just started taking aderall XR about 2 weeks ago. Started on 5mg XR moved to two 5mg XR's a day then eventually three 5mg XR's per day. Today for the first day i took an actual 15mg XR and tonight about 12 hours later im am expirencing a increased heart rate. I can feel nearly every heartbeat pounding in my chest. Background: Im 18, play a sport and did have a heavy workout today. Any suggestions, info? or am i just freaking out a little bit. Could it be the change of taking on 15mg capsel compared to taking three 5mg capsels?

Suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated!

The extended release versions release half of the dose at first, and then the rest of the dose is slowly released throughout the rest of the day.

I'm just speculating, but it might be that 7.5 mgs are being released at once is kind of a shock to your system. If you have chest PAIN you should definitely stop taking it and ask your doctor. Maybe you should try a lower dose, like a 10 mg XR and see if that helps.

I dont expirence any chest pain. Could it be that im just "coming down" off the medicine and because im just sitting here im noticing it?

If you are coming down, I would think your heart rate would slow down, right? I'm not sure about that, I personally dont experience any come down symptoms other than being tired.

However, every time I take a stimulant (adderall OR ritalin) I always notice my heart pounding a little bit. I notice it the most when my meds are working at their peak. I also feel like I have to sigh a lot.

Just be careful because as you probably know, there are heart issues and risks associated with stimulants. If it really bothers you (like every time you take it) I would definitely say something to your doctor.

I was reading up a bit on the connection between methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and Adderall and increasing blood pressure and heart rate. Many studies say the overall effects are small, but this study on stimulants (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12086544?ordinalpos=4&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsP anel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum) saw a pretty big boost in blood pressure and heart rates. While this study was done in children, I think the results definitely should not be overlooked, especially in individual cases such as yourself. I definitely wouldn't take these symptoms lightly, especially if you're seeing them so long after taking the medication. Please try to get ahold of your Dr. as soon as you can.

Suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated!

Sorry i'm about to do this but...

IF THE SIDE EFFECTS OUTWEIGH THE POSITIVES, DECREASE OR DESIST USE!!!

If it's giving you chest pain and insomnia, i'm pretty sure it's outweighing any benefits. Lower the dose, and then reassess the benefits to side effects ratio. Repeat until desired ratio is reached. :)

On a lighter note, I wish I had that amount of "tolerance." 40mg (IR every 4hrs) was my beginning dose and has been for a while now. BP and resting heart rate is actually down slightly (and consistently). How ironic, results may vary :).

(and no I never used ritalin or adderall illicitly- kind of wish I did so I could have some explanation of why I require a higher dosage...)

When do you take your 15mg Adderall XR?

Taking 5mg three times a day seems to be a risky approach. It's all about titration. Adderall XR is good for about 8-10 hours. It's no surprise that you're dealing with insomnia because even if you were to take Adderall XR between 3PM - 5PM, the effects would not wear out until 8-10 hours later. This would, in effect, alter your sleep.

Back to my point. Going from 5mg of Adderall XR to 15 mg is quite a jump. It's expected that you're dealing with heart palpitations and possibly mild hypertension. It takes time for you body to adjust especially with stimulants. Personally I take 40 mg Adderall XR twice a day. In the beginning I experienced tachycardia and high blood pressure but that all subsided as time went on (1-2 months). Give it some time. Everyone responds differently to stimulants. If you notice that the adverse effects continue on for months then you may need to consult with your psych doc in order to reassess whether it's safe for you to use stimulants. There are over 20 different medications for ADHD. First line drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall are the most prescribed. I suggest that you monitor your heart rate and blood pressure every 4-6 hours to see any trend over time.

Good Luck

You mention that you worked out and played sports. What did you use for electrolyte replacement?

Sports drinks are full of sugar and salt. If you use them I would suggest that you stop and switch to Smart Water. It is vapor distilled water with electrolytes. No sugar.

I have refused to use sport drink even before stims. The reason is that I have pretty much always restricted sugar use. You need to replace the electrolytes during workout and play. There are alternatives that don't load you with sugar.

You mention that you worked out and played sports. What did you use for electrolyte replacement?

Sports drinks are full of sugar and salt. If you use them I would suggest that you stop and switch to Smart Water. It is vapor distilled water with electrolytes. No sugar.

I have refused to use sport drink even before stims. The reason is that I have pretty much always restricted sugar use. You need to replace the electrolytes during workout and play. There are alternatives that don't load you with sugar.

In 95% of people's "athletic experiences" electrolyte replacement during the activity is not needed. College level sports all the way up to pro level sports are the only ones who actually deplete enough electrolytes during physical exertion to have "electrolyte imbalance."

Too many people are buying into the "electrolyte" buzz word now a-days, even more than "natural" remedies and supplements. Do you know WHY Gatorade was created? To help a COLLEGE football team in reducing fatigue.

The increase in heart rate and blood pressure was an issue for me with straight dexaphetamine for the first month. I initially avoided taking it before exercise. Now after 3 months the increase in heart rate is fully resolved. Most of the other stimulant side effects are also gone - but my thinking remains clear and ordered and that is what is important for me. Be patient. If in doubt- measure the changes in BP and heart rata and discuss them with your doctor. I would suggest 1/2 hourly starting before the dose and persisting for 3-4 hours- in both exercising and non exercising conditions).He will probably tell youto persevere- or to only increase dose slowly.
If you are really worried measure your heart rate while exercising and do not exceed your maximum heart rate.

Interesting. The reason I actually quit stimulants and switched to Strattera (although it works, it's less effective for me) was due to my increased heart rate and overreaction. It's good to know that the side effect decreases after a while in a few weeks.

I used to have the SAME thing happen to me when taking adderall. About 12 hours later my heart rate would increase. I did not understand this and it worried me. Because by that time the effects of the medicine should be ramping down. My dr told me it was likely anxiety causing my heart increase that late in the day and the cause was probably the adderall wearing off. Also, it sounds like you may be ramping up your dose too quickly. Start slow and work up....with your doctors blessing of course.

Yeah, with Adderall my heart rate averages about 100-120 BPM on 20mg Adderall XR. I'm 177lb 5'11'' male. Without it I am about 75bpm.

I don't like the effects it has on my heart. That's one of my main gripes about it and yes I feel that my heart rate never ramps down in the end of the day either, which sucks.

Just a couple days ago I had a mug of coffee in the morning and 2 cigarettes and I thought I was going to die from my heart beating at like 130bpm all day for the rest of the day (even 8 hours after I had the coffee and my last cigarette). It sucked. I'm never drinking coffee again on this. My dose isn't too high either (at least as far as cognitive effects are concerned).

Be careful. I'm going to talk to my doc about Vyvanse since it has a slower onset and just seems safer in general. Also, without the levo-amp I think it will be better for the heart.