ADHD Meds & Heart Attack Risk: Is Your Medicine Safe?

This video provides a thorough understanding of Adderall's sympathomimetic actions, the risk factors for those with pre-existing heart conditions, and the significance of dosages. Dr. Marks also examines the findings of a 2022 meta-analysis from the Journal of American Medical Association, offering reassurance and clarity on the use of ADHD medications. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or simply seeking knowledge, this video is an essential resource for understanding the intersection of ADHD treatment and cardiovascular health.

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REFERENCE:
Zhang L, Yao H, Li L, et al. Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Associated With Medications Used in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(11):e2243597. Published 2022 Nov 1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.43597

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[mnmlst]

I'd rather die of a heart attack living a normal life than being paralized and disabled by ADHD as I was my entire life before diagnosis. I'll never want to go back to that place again.

[B.D.TRX]

12 years adderall, No issues... im afraid to take days off of my med.. why? because of studies like... ( people with adhd are More Prone to get into accidents, or get hurt etc) all i need is a car accident because i took a day OFF from my meds.. One day i forgot to take my meds, i drove right through a stop sign.. my passenger even said i seem very "off" & extremely distracted.. My ADHD is 24 hours a day 7 days a week.. It doesn't go on a "break". its bad enough when i get home from work my meds are already worn off, and i have to be functional in my home and get things done meanwhile the help i get from the meds are already gone... Taking breaks from your meds might be a good thing to do .. Just remember, when you take your break from your meds, your ADHD will NOT be taking that same break..

[SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

I'm in good physical condition and my pulse and blood pressure were on the low side before starting my stimulant medication for ADHD. After starting Adderall, they came up to normal and now that I've been taking it for 8 years, they're still normal.

[Turbogran]

In my seventies. ADHD. Late diagnosis. Vyvance 20mg. New prescription. Wow, a new me. After 20 pills had a heart attack. No previous heart issues but was on medication for high blood pressure. Arteries fine.

[sciencenotsrigma]

I’m. In recovery and I’ve heard a lot of people equate taking Adderall to being on drugs. What I didn’t know before studying addictions myself is that dopamine isn’t just a pleasure chemical. We need it for motivation and focus. When people are dopamine deficient, they are unable to focus on purpose, directed activity. In nature, things that provide small amounts of dopamine such as finding shelter, hunting, finding a mate, etc. help provide enough dopamine reward to keep us motivated to keep doing things that are good for survival. Now, I understood how taking a low dose of a stimulant can act the same way. It’s very different from taking recreational doses, which distract people from goals, other than getting and using more substances. Thanks for the information! It really helps reduce the stigma of taking medication, and end stereotypes! I have two family members with ADHD, and it helps to understand what they go through. ❤

[currypablo]

I take Vyvanse 30 mg and am overweight. My blood pressure is normal, I have recently begun to lose weight. I find the medication along with behavioral therapy helps me with focus and, most importantly, emotional regulation. No issue with my heart as of yet. Once I retire, I will not take it weekly as I do now as my work requires a great amount of focus.

[HumanandAnimalSupporter]

Discovering the diverse world of ADHD therapies has been truly enlightening, from psychotherapy to behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. 🧠💪

[obgfoster]

My resting heart rate went down when I started on methylphenidate (Concerta) and back up when I couldn't get it for a few months then back down when I restarted it!

[DocSnipes]

I agree with what is being stated in this video. It's important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another.
Here are some effective strategies for managing ADHD:
Developing a Plan for Impulsive Situations: It's beneficial to identify triggers and factors that worsen or improve impulsivity. Different interventions can be applied depending on the situation, such as going for a walk to manage anger or using isometric exercises to release excess energy.
Minimizing Distractions: Creating a conducive environment for focus is key. This can include working in a small, quiet space, using noise-canceling headphones, and having constructive outlets for excess energy like exercise or worry stones.
Planning Ahead for Impulse Control: Having activities or objects on hand to keep busy, such as crocheting or whittling, can help individuals with ADHD stay focused and manage impulsivity.
Setting Specific Goals: Establishing clear objectives, such as reducing disruptive behaviors and increasing the ability to sit still for extended periods, can guide behavior modification. Self-monitoring logs can be a useful tool for tracking progress.
Improving Organization and Prioritization: Using calendars, setting alarms, and employing push notifications can assist in staying on track with tasks. Transition activities or prompts can help with moving between tasks.
Addressing Procrastination: Encouraging promptness in starting tasks and using visual cues, like hanging a bag on the front door, can serve as reminders to take action and reduce procrastination.
Enhancing Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills training can help individuals with ADHD learn how to interact with others, enter conversations, and manage blurting. This can be done through role-playing in therapy or as part of family or group therapy sessions.
Improving Sleep Hygiene: Adequate sleep is crucial for managing impulsivity, emotions, and overall well-being. Good sleep hygiene practices, including a consistent sleep routine and a conducive sleep environment, are recommended.
Training the Brain: Cognitive training programs like Luminosity can offer activities to improve concentration and organization, although it's important to note that they may not work for everyone.
Creating a Vision Board: Visualizing the ultimate goal of a task and adding visual reminders can help maintain motivation. Using a medication reminder app for creative visualization can also be beneficial.
Working with a Buddy: Partnering with someone can help keep individuals with ADHD focused and on task. This approach can increase productivity and help maintain focus.
Rewarding Progress: Breaking tasks into smaller chunks and rewarding oneself after completing each chunk can boost motivation and make tasks feel less daunting.
Identifying Peak Focus Times: Determining the times of day when one is most alert and focused can help in scheduling work and intense focus activities.

[thejudge]

Thank you for this, I actually stopped 10mg of Vyvanse because I am getting older and I was afraid of heart related risks. My BP normally runs pretty low as does my resting heart rate so maybe I'll give it another shot because it's a struggle without it.

[adrianameyer]

I been on adderall for 10 years and it has helped me so much. Before my anxiety was so bad and when I take the medication my heart feels so much better, I can relax and enjoy life to its fullness. My blood pressure for the first time is normal. Thanks for opening the eyes of all those people that in they ignorance think meds will harm you.

[LeonesJournal]

It's important to note that some stimulants don't work well with SSRI's and increase these health risks. Stimulants on their own, without previous heart conditions, usually work quite well.

[eaglewarrior]

Please do a video on TDCS as alternative stimulant to medications
I saw many meta trials but I trust your non biased opinion

[KathrynAnne]

My BP and heartrate went up after starting stimulants. I was prescribed a BP medicine to conteract that. I don't think you talked about that in the video.
Is this an appropriate fix, or is it overmedicating and harmful to my longterm health?
Thanks for all you do 😊

[Lttlefot]

What about for Strattera? It has the same warning for heart conditions but is not a stimulant. This is the first and only ADHD med I’ve been prescribed so far, I have been taking it for a little over a year. It has increased my respiratory/heart rate and my blood pressure is elevated more, which I was told was likely to occur by my psych. My resting heart rate used to be around 70 bpm, now it’s an average of 85 bpm over the last year. Also, can you develop a tolerance to it?
My psych decided against stimulants because I have a history of insomnia and anxiety.

[pqr]

I do resitance training with weights and I notice a difference in performance when taking ritalin, I can't push myself as hard and I feel less capable of hitting the last 2-3 reps where hypertrophy really counts.

[rufiohaspan]

I just saw a cardiologist about this and got a cardio ultra sound

[milkywayranchsc]

Thanks. My primary said to ask my cardiologist this question. Cardiologist never replied. The cardiologist PA said he didn't know and to ask my primary.

[kennymmmKay]

I take 2 days off a week so tolerance doesn't make me need more in the future

[ladybaabaa]

I was prescribed Ritalin (not Adderall), and it made my chest so tight, I felt breathless, faint and weak if I tried to walk at my normal pace, and I had neck tension and headaches. My heart rate went up. I was never asked if I ever had any heart issues, but I've had Tachycardia (my resting heart rate is between 90 and 130 bpm) and fairly regular palpitations since I was 19. My blood pressure has always been normal.

I only took 5mg and 10mg once a day, and that turned me into a zombie. Whenever I'd stand up, my vision would go black and I'd have to wait until I could see again to walk. Ugh.