damage caused by methophenodate? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Sanvid · 02-28-2001, 02:31 PM

I have read some research lately suggesting that methophenodate, and other stimulant type drugs used for ADD/ADHD can effect the heart in the same way that those who abuse speed experience. Dr. L. Diller has an article online that sites a case where a 14 year old boy had a heart attack and when the his vital organs where examined, it was found that he had the same type of damage that would be seen in someone abusing speed (he had been on methophenidate for 5 years). Anyone read anything about this or know of any recent research being done in this area? sorta scarey stuuf for those of u medicating our children.

Johnson110 · 03-01-2001, 11:54 AM

Sanvid I was taking methophenodate for my ADD problem for over two years. I ended up seeing another doctor and he told me that I should get off it b/c it was causing me to have high blood pressure and my pulse was constantly over 120. I was slowly put on Prozac while decreasing my methophenodate dose. One night while out with some friends, I ended up having a Tachycardia. It scared the living S#@# out of me. I now have anxiety attacks and taking clonazepam, which is helping but making me a little tired. I know that is not the solution for a lot of people and methophenodate did help me. But I guess the reactions from both meds. didn't quite work for me. Hope things work out for you.

Sanvid · 03-01-2001, 02:24 PM

thanks for the response Johnson 110. Can you tell me what symptoms you experienced when you had the attack that effected your heart. I am not familiar with the term you used. Thanks!

Johnson110 · 03-02-2001, 07:14 AM

I was just walking up the street and all of the sudden I hunched over b/c my heart was beating faster then I was accustomed too. I was in pain, scared, worried and had to get to the hospital. When I got there I told them that I thought I was having a heart attack, but it just turned out to be a tachycardia. My blood pressure was extremely high and they shot me up with some drugs to slow down my heart. I think one of the drugs was Verapamil. Like I said very scarey experience. Now before I am ever perscribed something I always ask what the side effects are. My luck is I always get the worse effects. Hope this helped again.

eXalt · 03-09-2001, 12:02 PM

When I took it, it was the ideal medication. I grew tolerant, and am now taking Dexedrine.

The only time I felt any irregular heart activity was when I repeatedly ingested alcohol or caffeine. These drugs interacted with both medications. I advise some responsible trial-and-error with stimulants and depressants. Exercise helps a lot, too.