Blood Pressure and AdderallXR - ADD / ADHD Message Board

vintagegas · 02-18-2005, 11:47 AM

I normally have high blood pressure, and I take "Atenol-Chlor" daily to keep my blood pressure regulated. Two months ago, I was diagnoised ADHD, and was started on AdderallXR. My B/P has been Great ever since!

Yesterday, it was 122/62, which gives you an idea of how low it really is. This is much lower than it was without the Adderal.

Has anyone else experienced this? I've read that when taking Adderall, one needs to be concerned about elevated B/P? If that is so, I'm wondering why it effects me like this? lowering it !

malibubarbie999 · 02-18-2005, 02:48 PM

I've actually experienced the same thing since starting XR.

Before I got on the med last fall, I had an average blood pressure of about 125/75 (normal, but not optimal). After I began taking XR my blood pressure seemed to decline steadily throughout the course of treatment. It's been as low as 88/64 but is typically about 120/70. This surprised me also since you hear all this stuff about XR raising BP. I asked my doctor & he gave me a couple possible reasons for this...

1. Weight loss. Before starting XR I was at my ideal weight of 125 lbs (I am 5'6"). It's been about 5 months since I started the med, and I am now considered underweight (at 100 lbs). Apparently, weight loss (especially if drastic or sudden) can lower BP dramatically. Since amphetamines tend to cause appetite/weight loss, this could be the culprit to your lowered BP as well.

2. Another thing he mentioned was my state of mind. I used to be really fidgety and nervous, causing my pulse to soar into the high range of normal. Since I've been on Adderall, I no longer have this problem... it has been replaced by a calmness, which in turn, lowered my BP.

Anyhow, those are possibilities but who knows. I wouldn't be too concerned though. Unless your blood pressure becomes dangerously low, you should be in the clear. Meds affect people differently. As long as you aren't having dizzy spells (especially upon standing) or fainting, both signs of inadequate blood flow, you probably have nothin to worry about!

vintagegas · 02-19-2005, 09:45 AM

Thanks Malibubarbie for your insite. I hadn't considered the weight loss concept. Unlike you, I am overweight. When I started XR, I was at 215#, in two months, I've now dropped 9lbs so I've lost a bit.

The "calmness" I'm experiencing is remarkable like yours. I feel so calm, and in control. So that too could be a part of the lower B/P.

I never was concerned about the lower B/P, just wondering what was going on. I'm calling my doctor, to see if I can stop my blood pressure medication, now that the XR seems to be doing the trick.

malibubarbie999 · 02-19-2005, 12:20 PM

No problem, glad I could help! Good luck with everything & keep us posted

oneadhd · 02-20-2005, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vintagegas

I normally have high blood pressure, and I take "Atenol-Chlor" daily to keep my blood pressure regulated. Two months ago, I was diagnoised ADHD, and was started on AdderallXR. My B/P has been Great ever since!

Yesterday, it was 122/62, which gives you an idea of how low it really is. This is much lower than it was without the Adderal.

Has anyone else experienced this? I've read that when taking Adderall, one needs to be concerned about elevated B/P? If that is so, I'm wondering why it effects me like this? lowering it !

Yes, My bp had been high running 150/90 or therabouts. My family dr prescribed a diuretic and it got it down some but since I have started taking the adderol my bp has been running much lower in the 120/65 range. I think my blood pressure problems were stress related! Thank you for your post because I was wondering about this. I thought amphetamines had the potential to raise bp. what a gift. I had been worried about my bp on tope of all the other problems I had been experiencing. The only thing is, I feel like a walking pharmacy with all the meds I'm taking. I was at the end of the rope though and had to do something.