Asthma Worsened by Stimulants? - Asthma Message Board

swedeheart · 01-09-2003, 06:35 PM

Hello everyone,

I have been dx'd with asthma. I also have a neuromuscular disease that causes extreme fatigue and I was prescribed Ritalin (a stimulant) for it. It worked wonders for years until I began having breathing difficulties when I took the Ritalin. I then was dx'd with the asthma and advised to stop the Ritalin. I had always though that stimulants like Ephedra were helpful with Asthma symptoms, but I was taking Ephedra for weight loss and the attacks were worsened. I also started on Wellbutrin (another stimulating drug...) for depression- bad attacks. I still have occasional moderate attacks, but it's terrible when I take a stimulant. My Dr. says he doesn't know why, and he doesn't seem to care, as long as I keep returning for appts. with $$$ to pad his fat wallet. Any ideas on why the stimulants are causing an opposite effect? I am newly dx'd and I don't know much about asthma yet. Thank you so much for any help!!!

Rhonda

wrin · 01-09-2003, 09:15 PM

well, I can't help you much aside from mentioning that you can't really make a blanket statement saying that "stimulants help asthma", because truth be told, they don't all do so. Sympathomimetic stimulants, like ephedrine (ephedra) and ventolin, have a slight bronchodilating effect, but not all of them do.

Could it be possible that the stimulants are causing an anxiety response that triggers your asthma?

[This message has been edited by wrin (edited 01-12-2003).]

swedeheart · 01-10-2003, 05:38 AM

Hi and thanks for your reply. I never thought of maybe anxiety causing the problem. It's possible, but I had taken the Ritalin before with no problem. (???) I just don't know.

Thanks,
Rhonda

01-10-2003, 04:09 PM

Stimulants trigger my asthma.... including caffeine.

Has your doc been able to find a different medication to replace the Ritolin?

Blue

swedeheart · 01-11-2003, 08:04 AM

Hi there!

My neurologist had me try Cylert and another which I can't remember the name, but same effect. Have you ever been told why stimulants cause attacks?

Rhonda